Parliamentary committee to ask foreign ministry on using UN sea laws to protect South China Sea
SINAR DAILY REPORTERS28 Aug 2023 05:05pm
Andi Mohamad Suryady Bandy (left) and Wong Chen
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Its chairman Wong Chen said the committee would request for a meeting in mid-September as Parliament resumes for the 12th Malaysian Plan review.
However, the Subang MP said in his personal opinion China's construction activities on several disputed islands appear to be motivated more by strategic defence objectives than economic interests.
"While these islands may indeed possess hydrocarbon and mineral potential, the associated logistical costs for their exploitation remain prohibitively high and economically unviable," he told Sinar Daily.
Due to that, he said it is crucial to have an open and honest dialogue concerning their intentions that represents the best path forward by using UNCLOS.
"We should work toward a unified stance with other affected Asean states," Wong added.
This comes after experts voice out urging Putrajaya to commit to using UNCLOS as the legal framework for determining maritime rights and territorial claims in the South China Sea. This includes upholding the principles of international law, such as the freedom of navigation, peaceful resolution of disputes and respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states.
They say Malaysia should assert its rights and claims in the South China Sea based on the provisions of UNCLOS.
Kalabakan MP calls Foreign Ministry to probe the matter thoroughly
Kalabakan MP Datuk Andi Mohamad Suryady Bandy said he will raise the issue of China's claims in the South China Sea during Parliamentary sitting next month.
"We need to take action on the sovereignty of Sabah's sea borders. China is continuing to assert its authority over man-made islands in our territory. China's intentions to claim these areas as their own pose a significant threat to our security," he told Sinar Daily.
Andi added that China has been steadily expanding its territory for some time now.
"When it comes to our neighbours, especially China, we must address this issue promptly," he said, adding that Malaysia's Foreign Ministry should investigate the matter thoroughly.
He said some of the disputed areas are also claimed by other countries including Thailand and the Philippines. "Therefore, we need to initiate negotiations promptly. We cannot afford to delay, especially given our proximity to Sabah," he added.
The unity government needs to pursue, in line with the new unity government key policies are to find a concrete solution to the ongoing problem using diplomacy and UNCLOS.
