KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia should have its own name for the South China Sea, just like its Asean neighbours, says an opposition MP.
“Can we rename as Southeast Asia Sea (Laut Asia Tenggara) or Melayu Sea (Laut Melayu) or another name that shows that the sea is in our territory and would not be confused with the other names,” Mumtaz Md Nawi (PN-Tumpat) said in Dewan Rakyat on Tuesday (Oct 22).
According to her, other countries like the Philippines, have called it the West Philippine Sea, Indonesia has called it the North Natuna Sea and Vietnam has called it the East Sea.
This was one of the issues that Malaysia should address in light of its Asean chairmanship next year, she added.
Mumtaz also questioned the government assessment for categorising T15 or B40 based on total household income.
"This can be seen that women and wives must also act as financial providers to support the family.
"It raises the question of who will care for the children and the family," she said.
Instead, she noted that the father should be responsible for supporting the family.
She urged the government to consider a reform that is more sensitive to the Sharia legal framework and economic responsibilities within a Muslim family.
Highlighting another issue, Mumtaz said there is a lack of budget allocated for the east coast states.
“When it comes to tax distribution, there is a lot for the west coast, which attracts a lot of investments and trade there,” she said.
She said there is more development, infrastructure, highways and railways compared to the east.
“There are 200 semiconductor factories on the west coast but only seven on the east coast,” she said.
Even though Kelantan and Terengganu may not be suitable for a semiconductor factory, they should be provided equal opportunities to contribute like other states, she added.
