The foreign ministry said the government was “unequivocally and firmly” committed to protecting Malaysia’s sovereignty, sovereign rights and interests in the South China Sea, which is the centre of territorial disputes involving several countries.
It said Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s use of the word “negotiation” when responding to a question on the South China Sea in the Dewan Rakyat on Tuesday was meant to emphasise Putrajaya’s diplomatic approach.
“Anwar made the point that issues relating to the South China Sea should be discussed or resolved in a peaceful manner, utilising existing platforms and through diplomatic channels, without compromising Malaysia’s principled position to avoid any escalation of disputes and the threat or use of force,” the ministry said in a statement.
Anwar had previously said Beijing had expressed concern over Petronas’ activities in an area of the South China Sea which was being claimed by China.
He had said Putrajaya was open to holding negotiations with Beijing “if China feels this is their right”.
On Thursday, Muhyiddin Yassin claimed Anwar had indirectly acknowledged China’s claim on an area that officially belonged to Malaysia, adding that Malaysia’s territory must be defended.
The Bersatu president said Petronas’ exploration project was within Malaysia’s territory and could not be negotiated or demanded by China, adding that Anwar’s statement could threaten Malaysia’s sovereignty.
However, in a response earlier today, Anwar said Muhyiddin had failed to read his statement “correctly”, adding that he had told the Chinese government that Petronas’ activities in the South China Sea would continue.
He said when Beijing expressed concern over the territory, the two governments could discuss the matter but maintained that China should not stop Petronas’ exploration project from continuing.
Wisma Putra said it would continue its efforts to maintain the South China Sea as a “sea of peace, stability and trade”, adding that Malaysia would continue to take a diplomatic approach in its engagements with other countries, including China.