By Karen Bong and Wilfred Pilo
KUCHING, Nov 28: Sarawak’s territorial waters, a vital heritage for generations and home to Malaysia’s largest marine park at Luconia Shoals, is facing a contentious claim in the South China Sea from a nation over 3,000 kilometres away.
Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, expressed his personal views, emphasising that this issue requires thoughtful and rational deliberation by seriously taking into account Sarawak’s perspective.
“If the reason for the claim is because of the word ‘China’ in the name, then we might as well rename it ‘Sunda’ or ‘Laut Sarawak’ or something else,” he quipped, responding to journalist inquiries about alleged dissatisfaction expressed by the Chinese Consulate over his recent remarks suggesting a name change for the South China Sea.
He highlighted this during a press conference on Borneo Highland Glamping Festival 2024 at his Mlministry’s Office in Baitulmakmur II Building today.
The contested South China Sea waters, involving conflicting claims by six parties—Brunei, China, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Taiwan—has drawn firm responses from Malaysia, which remains committed to protecting its sovereignty and maritime rights as defined by the 1979 Malaysia Map.
Abdul Karim emphasised that Sarawak’s waters, rich in resources and marine life, have long been integral to the livelihood of its people.
He referred to areas like Beting Patinggi Ali, located 84 nautical miles (155km) from Miri, and Pulau Layang-Layang, situated 300km north of Sabah.
“The sea off Sarawak’s coast has long been cherished by Sarawakians for generations. Our fathers and forefathers depended on it for their livelihood. We’ve never had issues, but suddenly, a country more than 3,000 kilometres away lays claim to it. How would you feel?” he questioned.
He further pointed out that the Sarawak government has gazetted the Luconia Shoals as a marine national park, making it the largest in Malaysia, underscoring Sarawak’s vested interest in preserving its sovereignty over its territorial waters.
It is located in the South China Sea and lies over Sunda Continental Shelf in the Malaysian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) within Sarawak’s territorial waters.
While stressing that his remarks reflected his personal viewpoint, Abdul Karim stated there is no cause for the Chinese Consulate to react negatively.
“We follow the United Nations’ law (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982 or UNCLOS), which has been agreed upon internationally.
“There is no need to be overly sensitive. The issue should be approached rationally, and the Consulate should focus on fostering cultural ties rather than being political,” he said adding he did not wish to dwell on the issue which ultimately falls under the federal government’s jurisdiction.
Malaysia has reiterated its stance to safeguard its sovereign rights and interests in the South China Sea amidst escalating territorial claims, reaffirming its commitment to international law and the preservation of its maritime boundaries. — DayakDaily
