NATIONAL oil and gas company Petronas will continue its exploration project within the Malaysian waters of the South China Sea, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said today. 

Anwar said he had informed the Chinese leaders that Petronas will continue its work in the region, which is also claimed by China. 

“This matter (territorial dispute) was raised (during my visit to China),” said Anwar.  

“China was concerned because Petronas has carried out a large-scale activity in one area which is also claimed by the Chinese. 

“However, I told the Chinese prime minister and the president that Malaysia considers the area its own and therefore Petronas will continue its exploration work there,” Anwar told parliament today.

However, amid claims Petronas’ work was in the territory of an overlapping claim by China, Anwar said he was up for negotiation to resolve the issue. 

“I do not want to avoid negotiations because this is what Asean’s stand is about,” Anwar said. 

“Asean feels all overlapping claims should be resolved through negotiations. 

“But so far, the area is within Malaysia’s territory,” Anwar stressed. 

Anwar was replying to a question from Takiyuddin Hassan (Kota Bharu-PN), who wanted to know if the prime minister had discussed regional security issues during his recent official visit to China, especially with the presence of the Chinese navy in the South China Sea.

Regarding the presence of Chinese ships and navy in the South China Sea, the prime minister said the country has clarified it is in international waters, but the Foreign Ministry will continue to monitor and issue objections if there is a concern or breach.

Anwar said Malaysia and Asean were firm in their stance not to support any effort that could heighten tensions, especially in the military field.

“That’s why when the establishment of Aukus was announced, Malaysia expressed concern, hoping this does not explode as something that will be considered provocative and will cause China to increase their activities in the region,” he said. 

On March 30, Defence Minister Mohamad Hasan urged all parties, including those who form trilateral security pact Aukus, to not engage in any provocative activities, which may disturb the peace and security of Asean. 

Mohamad’s response came on the back of the development of eight nuclear-powered submarines by the defence alliance, made up of Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States. – April 4, 2023.