KUALA LUMPUR: The Code of Conduct (COC) on the South China Sea is expected to be finalised this year, says Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.
The Foreign Minister said about 70% has already been completed, with the main items already ironed out.
“The progress has been great and we expect to finalise it by this year. If possible, we want it to be done immediately.
“Most of the items discussed in the COC have been agreed on by various quarters as well,” he said during Minister Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat on Thursday (Jan 22).
Mohamad stressed that the COC is not an instrument used to resolve territorial disputes, noting that bilateral and multilateral meetings are used for that purpose.
“The COC is a framework to ensure the South China Sea remains independent, safe and can be used at all times,” he added.
The Foreign Minister said negotiations on the COC are also thorough to protect the country’s sovereignty.
He was responding to a question by Datuk Mohd Isam Isa (BN-Tampin) who asked for updates on the COC for the South China Sea alongside Malaysia’s role in finalising it.
In response to a supplementary question on whether Malaysia’s joint military exercises could upset other countries, Mohamad said the exercises are not limited to a single nation.
“We have exercises with many countries, be it in the land, air and sea or even simultaneously. Malaysia has no agenda to conduct exercises with only one country to provoke others.
“We are a maritime country, and intend for a peaceful environment at sea,” he said.
