Keep our backyard safe


Home territory: Malaysia maintains a naval presence on the disputed Pulau Layang Layang, which also houses a resort that is popular with scuba divers. — Photos: Filepics/The Star

As tensions in the South China Sea escalate between the United States and China, it’s crucial we stay out of their bitter feud.

DESPITE the continuous news reports of the South China Sea being a flash point between the United States and China, most Malaysians would regard the place remote, if not inconsequential.

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Wong Chun Wai

Wong Chun Wai

Wong Chun Wai began his career as a journalist in Penang and served Star Media Group for nearly four decades in various capacities and roles. He was group editorial and corporate affairs adviser to the group, after having served as group managing director/chief executive officer. "On The Beat" debuted on Feb 23, 1997. Chun Wai has penned the column weekly without a break, except for occasional press holidays when the paper was not published. In May 2011, a compilation of selected articles of On The Beat was published as a book and launched in conjunction with his 50th birthday. Chun Wai also comments on current issues in The Star. He is now chairman of national news agency Bernama.

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