KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia will not compromise on its sovereignty and has intensified maritime patrols and enforcement operations in disputed areas of the South China Sea amid continued island-building activities by Vietnam and China, says Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.
Mohamad stressed that the government remains firm in safeguarding Malaysia’s sovereign rights and interests, with all actions guided by comprehensive assessments to avoid unintended incidents or escalation.
"Malaysia is fully committed to issues concerning sovereignty, sovereign rights and our national interests. We will continue to take appropriate measures without compromise.
"At the same time, the government adopts a careful and diplomatic approach to prevent any action that could result in undesirable incidents or increased tensions in those waters," he said in a parliamentary written reply on Wednesday (Nov 19).
The Foreign Ministry, together with the National Security Council, Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) and the Malaysian Armed Forces, is maintaining heightened vigilance in Malaysia’s maritime zones.
"These agencies conduct continuous patrols, surveillance and enforcement to ensure our sovereignty and sovereign rights are always protected. This includes safeguarding economic resources and related infrastructure from threats and exploitation by other states," Mohamad said.
He added that Malaysia handles South China Sea matters with caution due to the "complex and sensitive" nature of the disputes, and that any action taken will never prejudice the country’s territorial or maritime claims.
Malaysia has also issued diplomatic notes protesting the construction of artificial islands and related infrastructure by Vietnam and China, while urging all claimants to refrain from provocative or militarised actions that may heighten tensions.
At the regional level, Mohamad said Malaysia remains committed to ongoing negotiations between Asean and China on a Code of Conduct for the South China Sea, emphasising that the final agreement must not undermine Malaysia’s sovereignty or sovereign rights.
