PETALING JAYA: Wisma Putra will be conducting an internal investigation into a breach of classified information after an article was published by a Filipino news portal on Aug 29 pertaining to diplomatic notes between Malaysia and China addressed to the Malaysian Embassy in Beijing on February 18.
In a statement, it said that a police report will also be filed to enable an investigation by relevant authorities as it views the leak as constituting an official communication between two countries with grave concern.
“Regarding the South China Sea, both countries have expressed commitment and determination to resolve any issue peacefully through consultations and dialogues on existing platforms and diplomatic channels without recourse to disputes or violence.
“Malaysia’s stance on the South China Sea remains unchanged as it will continue to defend its sovereignty, sovereign rights and maritime areas based on the 1979 Malaysia Map.
“This approach aligns with principles of international law including the United Nations Convention on Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982,” it said on Wednesday (Sept 4).
Malaysia will continue to prioritise diplomatic engagement with other countries, including China as part of the efforts to maintain the South China Sea as a sea of peace, stability and trade.
Wisma Putra added that this also aligns with the provisions of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), which emphasises the resolution of disputes by peaceful means and the avoidance of threats or use of force.
Malaysia remains committed to the negotiations between Asean member states and China to finalise a substantive and effective Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC) by the provisions of UNCLOS 1982.
As of Aug, Malaysia and China are the co-chairs for a three-year period of the Asean and China meetings concerning the implementation of the DOC and negotiations to finalise the COC.
The Philippine Daily Inquirer reported that Beijing has demanded Putrajaya to immediately stop all activities where Malaysia is exploring oil and gas reserves in areas within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
However, Beijing pointed out that Putrajaya’s actions “infringe” on China’s sovereignty in areas covered by its illegal nine, now 10-dash line.
