In a statement, Anifah said it was not enough for Malaysia to echo the sentiments of other countries about the conflict in Ukraine, where Russia has launched a military offensive against its neighbour.

He said: “In the current geopolitical issues surrounding our Malaysian waters with trespass after trespass by a big super nation to the east, we could very well be in the same shoes as Ukraine.”

He made reference to “a superpower that constantly encroaches on our waters affecting lives and livelihoods especially for my fellow Sabahans” and said Malaysia must enhance its digital security because some providers of 5G mobile network technology allegedly have ties to this superpower.

“The government must not allow the greed of some quarters to put our digital security at grave risk,” he said.

Anifah did not name the superpower, but his remarks appeared to be a clear reference to the complaints by the authorities in Sabah and Sarawak of ships from China’s coast guard disrupting fishing activities and encroaching into Malaysian waters.

China has claimed a large swathe of the South China Sea, with published maps showing its borders extending close to Sabah and Sarawak.

Anifah said Malaysia should stand firm on the conflict in Ukraine and take action to stop the aggression.

He also called for efforts to enhance digital security infrastructure to counter possible cyberwarfare and misinformation, “given the widespread cyberwarfare and misinformation tactics deployed by Russia”.

As the conflict in Ukraine continues to escalate, it has raised fears that it could trigger a wider digital war, he said.

As Malaysia prepares for 5G networking, “we must also consider its security aspects”, the cybersecurity risks involved in interconnection with sectors such as finance, transport, and the military, and the increased presence of terrorism and cyberwarfare.