KUCHING, Apr 5: Tupong assemblyman Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman welcomes the stance taken by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who is employing diplomatic channels to settle maritime disputes with China.
Fazzrudin made this statement today in response to a statement made by Anwar on Monday (Apr 3) about Malaysia being prepared to negotiate with China over any maritime disputes in the South China Sea.
“I support the stand taken by the Prime Minister who is using diplomatic channels to resolve disputes with China.
“I am also confident that Malaysia through the Foreign Ministry will take constructive measures and act in the best interests of the nation,” he said.
He went on to say that the disputed waters around Beting Patinggi Ali (Luconia Shoals), which are a resource-rich area, are a source of concern for the Sarawak government.
“I strongly believe that we should protect our sovereignty and ensure the continuity of the oil and gas activities by Petronas. This must be maintained for the benefit of the nation and Sarawak.
“Luconia Shoals is only 80 nautical miles from the coastline of Sarawak. Based on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982, the exclusive economic zones (EEZ) parameters extend 200 nautical miles from the country’s coastline,” he explained.
Fazzrudin, who is also the chief political secretary to the Premier of Sarawak, explained that there have been several reported encounters by national oil company Petronas operating oil and gas fields in the South China Sea within Malaysia’s EEZ with Chinese vessels in the past.
“We must guarantee the safety of our coastlines with assets being deployed regularly to monitor the situation and also with regular diplomatic channels as mentioned by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
“At the same time, we must also ensure the sovereignty of the country along with Sarawak from outside threats,” he added. — DayakDaily
