Why not Laut Malaysia instead of South China Sea?

 

From Clement Stanley

The recent suggestion by Mumtaz Nawi, an MP from PAS, that the government should consider renaming the South China Sea leaves me hugely disappointed that one of her suggestions was “Laut Melayu”.

The other was “Laut Asia Tenggara”, which made more sense.

The South China Sea encompasses an area of 3.5 million sq km. It is a marginal sea of the Western Pacific Ocean. To the north, you find South China, to the west, the Indochinese peninsula, to the east are the islands of Taiwan and north western Philippines, and in the south lies Borneo.

The South China Sea is the common name used internationally, including in Malaysia and Indonesia, which is why “Laut Asia Tenggara” would be a better choice.

I do not understand why there was a need to suggest “Laut Melayu”.

While it may have not been a malicious suggestion, it does speak volumes of the PAS mindset to view everything through race-coloured lenses. It was also a missed opportunity for PAS, who are aiming to increase support among the non-Malays.

“Laut Melayu” would drown out claims that PAS is for all, whereas if she had suggested “Laut Malaysia”, she might have even appealed to her political rivals.

Mumtaz Nawi.

Mumtaz could have even taken a cue from the neighbouring countries she cited, namely the Philippines, which calls its territorial waters the “West Philippine Sea”; Indonesia, which has named their portion the “North Natuna Sea”; and Vietnam, the “East Sea”.

These examples are devoid of any racial reference.The seas do not belong to any particular race.

I believe that politicians in general should lead by example if they believe in the concept of unity by staying away from expounding on race.

The South China Sea may physically separate West and East Malaysia, but it shouldn’t divide us. - FMT

Clement Stanley is an FMT reader.

The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of MMKtT.