Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s statement that Malaysia is ready to negotiate with China regarding the overlap of petroleum exploration claims does not mean it is recognising Beijing’s claims to the area.
“The prime minister’s statement did not recognise the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) as belonging to China,” Community Communication Department (CCD) director-general Mohammad Agus Yusoff said.
Agus said there was nothing wrong with the way in which Anwar had defended Malaysia’s sovereignty at the negotiating table.
“The prime minister voiced the matter to the China government after China also stated that they were insisting on their claim for the same area.
“The prime minister’s statement has been manipulated by the opposition as selling the country’s sovereignty. They are wrongly attacking the prime minister and saying his statement can hurt people’s feelings.
“They also assume that the prime minister does not have the calibre to lead Malaysia,” Agus said in a statement today.
On April 5, Anwar said there is no easy solution for the overlapping territorial claims in the South China Sea but the problem can be overcome as long as there is dialogue.
Anwar said this in an interview session with China Daily about his recent visit to China.
He insisted that the South China Sea issue should not be a big issue and that dialogues with other Asean countries that also lay claim to the sea’s resources should be seen as a solution.
“I already stated that we have huge potential for oil and gas development in that territory and we should continue to back our claims in that territory, but the China government wanted to discuss it, so we did,” he reportedly said.
Agus also said Anwar’s statement was being criticised and manipulated by groups that do not understand the issue.
“Two pieces of advice from me. Firstly, even though we support different parties politically, do not take our country’s sovereignty lightly.
“Accusing the prime minister of ‘selling’ the country’s sovereignty is irresponsible, unethical, and immoral.
“Secondly, do politics with facts. The prime minister and all of us want the best for our country. If we are not satisfied with the prime minister’s decision, we have to criticise wisely,” Agus added. - Mkini
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