Keeping lines of communication open is vital in geopolitics

IT is refreshing that local news organisations are free to play the important role of keeping the public informed about matters affecting the nation. Commentaries, especially, by media practitioners often offer different perspectives on issues than those offered by government officials or subject matter experts. However, the fact of democratic life is that when you air an opinion, you will more often than not invite opposing views.Here is where I come in. The Beyond Boundaries column in Sunday Star on April 16 with the heading “Putrajaya, we have a problem” (online at bit.ly/star_putrajaya) is a problem to me.

Referring to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim saying that he raised the PETRONAS oil and gas exploration issue in the South China Sea during his “four-eyed” meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping recently, the columnist writes that she has issues with Anwar’s use of words such as “negotiation” and “overlapping claims”.

Yes, choice of words is important, but we should not limit the meaning of words to their diplomatic interpretation only. And I believe that Anwar’s use of “negotiation” does not mean a capitulation of sovereign rights, as suggested by the columnist.

In fact, a follow-up Wisma Putra statement said that in using the word “negotiation”, Anwar was making the point that “issues relating to the South China Sea should be discussed or resolved in a peaceful manner, utilising existing platforms and through diplomatic channels, and without compromising Malaysia’s principled position, to avoid any escalation of disputes and the threat or use of force”.

In other words, rest assured Malaysia’s sovereignty is non- negotiable.

Yes, choice of words is important, especially when they are written down in a binding document. But as far as conversation in real life goes, when you talk with another party, they will generally know what you mean regardless of what third party commentators claim those words mean.

The column also debated whether Anwar’s choice of words has opened the door to negotiating maritime boundaries with China.

However, to me, it is obvious Anwar was clearly referring to a specific issue involving a specific player – PETRONAS – in a specific area. It is disingenuous to imply that Anwar is “opening the door” to negotiating all of Malaysia’s maritime boundaries.

Not only China but also all of our neighbours will continue from time to time to raise “issues”. Malaysia has and will also do the same with its neighbours. This is what getting into a relationship is all about. And why talking is important to promote understanding and avoid geopolitical tension.

KHAIDIR ABDUL MAJID

Puchong, Selangor

The letter writer was formerly the group editor

of Berita Harian.