KOTA BHARU, 12 APRIL – A concerted and collective effort is required, by all and sundry, for Malaysia to continue protect its sovereign and territorial rights in the South China Sea (SCS), said a top maritime and defence expert.
Former Maritime Institute of Malaysia director-general First-Admiral (Rtd) Chin Yoon Chin said that the ‘whole government and maritime industries’ approach in protecting Malaysia’s rights in the SCS was a possible solution.
“We do not have a large navy or coast guard assets to patrol and protect our vast maritime areas and assets.
“We, perhaps, need a one-stop centre probably heralded by the National Security Council and comprising all government maritime agencies, public and private sectors (including the fishing associations, tour operators and other industry players) to achieve this.
“This one-stop centre for maritime affairs is long overdue and its establishment needs to be expedited to regulate and manage our marine and maritime activities, resources, coastal management, coral reefs, and a whole lot of other matters.
“Piecemeal efforts will only leave gaps and be counterproductive. A concerted, consolidated, and collaborative effort will enable better results,” said Chin.
He called for regular interactions and exchanges with nations laying territorial claims in the SCS, for Malaysia to be better organised with strategic plans of action.
Chin was responding to questions on how Malaysia could protect its rights in the SCS following China’s intensified maritime and naval patrols in the country’s exclusive economic zone (200 nautical miles off the shoreline).
His comments followed reports of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim stating that Malaysia was firmly committed to protecting its sovereign rights and interests in the SCS, after China expressed concerns about Malaysian energy projects by Petronas in territorial waters claimed by the latter.
Asked further on other possible remedial steps to be taken – like beefing up Malaysia’s weaponry, forging alliances with littoral nations and permitting allies to station their military forces within the country – Chin said it could be considered.
“The patrolling and enforcement can be carried out by our own government maritime agencies, including the air force.
“Whereas the private and public sectors can be the eyes and ears for the government agencies.
“There must be a mechanism where any intelligence information obtained through these means, can be shared promptly to safeguard our sovereignty,” he said.
Chin added that there should be a detailed plan on coordinated patrols, based on the various agencies’ capabilities and responsibilities to react rapidly.
“This is where airborne assets are most suitable.
“Intelligence collaboration with friendly neighbours can be an added assistance to enhance this initiative.
“More importantly, a strong political will is required to support this effort to see the successful implementation of tasks. Otherwise, it will prove meaningless,” said Chin.
Meanwhile, economist Prof Emeritus Dr Barjoyai Bardal stated that Malaysia, as a neutral country, did not intend to use its might to confront China, but preferred words of diplomacy.
“Words are mightier than the sword.
“We should not be flexing our muscles by displaying our military weaponry like torpedoes and the like.
“What we should do is voice ourselves clearly that we are protecting our nation. That is the best method,” said Barjoyai.
He contended that Malaysia comprised a civilised society.
The infamous 9-Dash Line (green dotted line) were laid by China as their claims in South China Sea. The claims, however, declared as illegal by Permanent Court of Arbitration in 2016.
“China is not going to just conveniently occupy our territory, and there will be basis for our claims via the International Court of Justice.
“Hence, Malaysia should not be worried of the possibility of our territory being easily colonised by China,” he said.
Barjoyai added that Malaysia needed to project to China that it was working on a professional level and that China ought to respect Malaysia, just like Malaysia must do likewise.
“By respecting each other, we can share a harmonious relationship for our mutual benefit,” Barjoyai said.
Anwar had, following his recent trip to Beijing, told Chinese president Xi Jinping that he was open to negotiations with China, drawing criticism from the Opposition who claimed the prime minister was risking Malaysia’s sovereignty.
Wisma Putra subsequently responded that Anwar’s comment meant Malaysia would like all issues related to the SCS to be resolved in a peaceful manner and without compromising Malaysia’s position.
China reportedly claims sovereignty over almost the entire SCS via its nine-dash line (which loops as far as 1,500km south of its mainland), through which about US$3 trillion worth of ship-borne trade passes annually.
However, Malaysia along with Brunei, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam have overlapping claims in the SCS, especially over the Spratlys archipelago super-rich in hydro-carbon deposits and marine life.
In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled that China’s nine-dash line in the SCS has no legal basis. – airtimes.my
