South China Sea issues must be resolved peacefully as M'sia will not compromise sovereignty, says Wisma Putra

KUALA LUMPUR: The Federal Government is unequivocally and firmly committed to protecting Malaysia’s sovereignty, sovereign rights and interests in its maritime areas in the South China Sea, says the Foreign Ministry.

The ministry, in a statement Saturday (April 8), said that Malaysia firmly holds the view that matters relating to the South China Sea must be resolved peacefully and constructively, in accordance with the universally recognised principles of international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

"By using the term ‘negotiation’ during Parliament on April 4, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim made the point that issues relating to the South China Sea should be discussed or resolved in a peaceful manner.”

It said this is by utilising existing platforms and through diplomatic channels, without compromising Malaysia’s principled position, to avoid any escalation of disputes and the threat or use of force.

The ministry said in their common efforts to maintain the South China Sea as a sea of peace, stability and trade, it is therefore within this context that Malaysia will continue the diplomatic approach in their engagements with others, including China.

"This is in line with the provisions of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, among others,

dispute resolution by peaceful means and avoidance of the threat or use of force, as signed by Asean member states and China in 2002.

"This is the approach taken in the ongoing negotiations between Asean member states and China to conclude the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea.

"Asean member states and China are committed to the negotiations towards a Code of Conduct that is in accordance with international law, including the UNCLOS," the ministry added.

Earlier on Saturday (April 8) Anwar said that the PETRONAS’ Carigali project will be continued as that area belongs to the country.

“But now, China says no, this is an overlapping region. I said okay if that’s the case. Let’s talk," he said responding to Perikatan Nasional chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin who criticised Anwar for being ready to negotiate with China.

Anwar urged Muhyiddin, who is Pagoh MP, to attend Parliament more often to understand the government’s stance over the ongoing issue involving China on PETRONAS’ exploration in the South China Sea.

On Friday (April 7), Muhyiddin criticised Anwar’s supposed readiness to negotiate with China on PETRONAS’ exploration in the South China Sea, saying that it undermined the country’s territorial sovereignty.

Muhyiddin said Anwar’s remarks on negotiating with China indicated indirect recognition of China’s claims.

On April 4, Anwar in a speech in Parliament, said that while PETRONAS would continue its activities, Malaysia was open to negotiations on Beijing’s concerns.

Anwar said Malaysia saw it as its territory and PETRONAS would continue its activities but was open to negotiations with China’s claims.

In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in Hague ruled that China’s “nine-dash line” (where PETRONAS currently operates) had no legal basis.

Others who lay claim to the area were Brunei, Taiwan, Indonesia, the Philippines and Vietnam.