KOTA KINABALU: A former Sabah Chief Minister says that border intrusion incident by China has sent a clear message that the republic is determined to control the South China Sea.
Datuk Seri Salleh Said Keruak
(pic) said that Malaysia must take the incident seriously because it concerns a violation against a nation’s sovereignty.
“The huge presence of nearly 100 China vessels spotted to have entered into the waters of South China Sea that is claimed by the Philippines is a clear message that the country is serious about wanting to control the South China Sea,” he said in a statement, Sunday.
“They ignored the fact that such action was an intrusion and violation of the sovereignty of countries in the region.
“Malaysia has not been exempted by the effects of the intrusion, particularly Sabah and Sarawak.
“For example, on June 1, the Royal Malaysian Air Force detected a suspicious flight by 16 China military aircrafts which had flown into the airspace within our country’s maritime zone in Kota Kinabalu and close to the national air space.
“After four days since that incident, China’s Coast Guard vessels were alleged to have come close to Beting Patinggi Ali in Sarawak.
“This intrusion can’t be taken lightly and the incident should be treated as a reminder to our country to always be prepared for any possibility in the future.”
Salleh said China’s actions are a cause of worry and the government must take a firm stand by issuing a protest.
“I see the action by China government in showing off their military power and control in the South China Sea as something that is very worrying.
“Malaysia must issue a diplomatic protest to China and the United Nations with regard to their military activities in the South China Sea lately.
“In fact, China government’s latest decision to demand all foreign vessels to declare ship’s details including cargo to its maritime authorities when entering South China Sea will be met with all kinds of negative reactions.
“Resorting to acts of bullying by using the military must never be allowed to happen.
“Although this is a complicated issue, I believe it can be resolved through diplomatic channels,” he said.
At the same time, he hit out at the actions by United States which he described as provocative and could put Malaysia’s security at risk as well as Asia’s.
“I think whatever the conflict is between the super powers they should not turn this region into a proxy to show off their military strength particularly in the South China Sea.
“Even though there’s good intention to ensure that the trade route in South China Sea is safe, the presence of the United States’ military ships and aircrafts in large numbers to carry out drills in South China Sea is seen by China as a provocation and security threat.
“As a result, China responded by trying to control the South China Sea and by instituting a new maritime law that requires foreign vessels entering the South China Sea.
“Of course, we hope the two big super powers can retrain from resorting to actions that could harm peace and security in the region.”
He called on the US and China to avoid turning the South China Sea as a war zone and stop any forms of provocation.
He said the two super powers would have nothing to gain if they went to war in the South China Sea.
Instead, he reminded them to respect the sovereignty of countries in the region, including Malaysia.
