KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is committed to resolving disputes and issues involving the South China Sea constructively during the 2025 Asean summit, says Datuk Mohamad Alamin.
The Deputy Foreign Minister said this aligned with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who wanted the matter to be resolved at the international level.
"We will utilise appropriate forums and diplomatic channels as Malaysia will continue to assert its firm stance on the South China Sea issue on various platforms to ensure that the nation's sovereignty, sovereign rights, and interests remain protected," he told the Dewan Rakyat here, Wednesday (Oct 23).
Mohamad said this in a reply to a question from Suhaizan Kaiat (Pakatan Harapan-Pulai) on the recommendation by the ministry to resolve the tensions in the South China Sea between China and Malaysia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Brunei and Taiwan and whether Malaysia can be a facilitator to resolve the dispute.
Mohamad, who is also the Kimanis MP,reiterated that Wisma Putra holds a firm position regarding the South China Sea.
He emphasised that all disputes and resolutions must be based on international law and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982 (UNCLOS 1982).
"Asean countries and China also signed the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) on Nov 4, 2002.
"This was a regional effort to ensure peace and stability while avoiding tensions in the South China Sea.
"In line with the agreement under this DOC, Asean countries have adopted a 'self-restraint' approach, to ensure that actions taken and activities conducted in the South China Sea do not escalate tensions on the ground," he added.
Mohamad also highlighted that Malaysia is playing a key role internationally, as the Asean-China Dialogue Relations Coordinator for three years, from August this year until July 2027.
"Among Malaysia's roles as coordinator is to act as co-chair with China in negotiating the draft of the Code of Conduct (COC)," he said.
