MALAYSIA will maintain its claim in the disputed South China Sea territory despite China’s objection to its submission of claim to the United Nations last month, said Foreign Minister Saifuddin Abdullah. 

The minister said the ministry had expected Beijing’s move which was “normal”.

“For China to object is something that we expect, even before. This is normal. I’m not saying we are okay about it… but it is our claim and we will maintain our claim,” he told a press conference at Wisma Putra, today. 

On Malaysia’s next course of action, he said: “It depends, but the unusual end game is (for it to go to) arbitration”. 

Saifuddin said Malaysia was unafraid of retaliation from China. 

“If we were to fear that, we would not submit our claim,” he said. 

The minister, while listing Wisma Putra’s achievements in 2019, said Malaysia had on December 12 submitted to the UN secretary-general its claim to the remaining portions of the extended continental shelf in the northern area of Dangerous Ground in the South China Sea (Claim Area Limits of Continental Shelf Phase II).

The South China Morning Post reported last month that China has protested against Malaysia’s filing to the UN and has urged the UN Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf to disregard the submission.

In the report, Beijing also accused Malaysia of infringing on its sovereignty. – Bernama, January 3, 2020.