KUALA LUMPUR SEPT.19: The Ministry of Defence is very concerned on the new development as the addition of nuclear powered submarines and warships especially in the South China Sea could disrupt the peace and stability in the Southeast Asia region.
Senior Defence Minister, Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein said, all parties must refrain from using military actions deemed provocative that could potentially escalate tension and spark conflict in the area.
“The Ministry of Defence would like to stress that nations must respect Malaysia’s position and comply with Malaysian laws with regards to nuclear-powered submarines and warships entering Malaysian territorial waters, in line with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982 (UNCLOS).
“My position on the South China Sea has been consistent since my previous term as Malaysia’s Defence Minister –we must avoid any unplanned encounters, miscalculations and unintended incidents in these important waterways; and all matters must be resolved peacefully and constructively,” Hishammuddin said in a statement here today.
The Senior Defence Minister was responding to the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob’s statement yesterday regarding the phone call with his Australian counterpart on 17th Sept.2021 on the newly formed trilateral partnership known as AUKUS between Australia, United Kingdom and United States of America. One of the initiatives under the partnership is the acquisition of nuclear powered submarines by Australia.
Hishammuddin added, he is scheduled to speak with Australia’s Defence Minister, Peter Dutton tomorrow (20th Sept.2021) and will reaffirm Malaysia’s position and convey the views of Prime Minister on this matter.
“At the same time both Malaysia and Australia will continue the strong defence cooperation especially under the Malaysia-Australia Joint Defence Program (MAJDP) as well as the High Level Committee (HLC) expected to be held in 2022.
“Malaysia and Australia also cooperate under the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA) of which the United Kingdom, New Zealand and Singapore are also members.
“Malaysia will host the 50th Anniversary of the FPDA and the 11th FPDA Defence Ministers’Meeting at the Royal Malaysia Air Force Base in Subang on 21st October 2021. –Malaysia World News
