‘CLOSE TIES WITH CHINA DUE TO TRADE’
Anifah says PPBM leader’s claims that nation under Chinese influence are baseless
FOREIGN Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman has shot down claims by an opposition leader that Malaysia has come under the influence of China.
In a statement yesterday, he said claims made by Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (PPBM) Supreme Council member Rais Hussin were baseless.
Anifah said the close MalaysiaChina ties were based on international trade that were similar to relations that the country had with others, such as the United States, Russia, the United Kingdom, France, Australia and Singapore.
“Increased economic and investment activities between Malaysia and China are the result of globalisation, and the law of supply and demand.
“Likewise, increased activities in the area of security will include closer military cooperation.
“It should not be construed as a sign that Malaysia has entered the orbit of Chinese influence.”
Rais has reportedly made claims on Malaysia’s position with regard to China in his recent commentary in a news portal.
On another matter, Anifah rebutted a claim that many illegal Chinese fishing vessels were found along Malaysia’s coasts.
He said the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency would arrest any fishing vessel that conducted illegal fishing in Malaysian waters.
“Chinese fishing vessels have been spotted sporadically and, therefore, it is untrue and erroneous to suggest that they cruise along our coasts.”
On Rais’s claim that Malaysia had allowed two Chinese submarines to dock in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Anifah said: “Military vessels from countries such as the US, Australia, Japan, France, Australia, New Zealand and Singapore had made port calls to Malaysian ports, including Kota Kinabalu, and will continue to do so.”
Therefore, he said, it was a fallacy to equate the recent docking of Chinese military vessels as a sign of Malaysia quasi–alliance with China.
He said military vessels undertook port calls at foreign countries to replenish their supply and provide shore leave to their crew after long periods at sea, as well as to undertake maintenance, adding that port calls contributed to the local economy.
He said any foreign military vessels planning to make port calls must submit a request to the government through diplomatic channels.
On Rais’s accusation that Malaysia did nothing monumental during the Asean and East Asian Summit in 2015 when it chaired them, Anifah said Malaysia’s chairmanship of the meetings was well regarded by many countries.
He said Malaysia’s constructive approaches, including on the South China Sea issue and North Korean nuclear issue, were well received.
“Malaysia has done admirably in advancing discourse on these issues, taking into account that Asean works on the principle of consensus, and as chairman, Malaysia is merely a facilitator.”
Anifah said Malaysia’s policy on the South China Sea was clear and consistent, and that throughout its chairmanship, the country had impressed upon all countries for the need to ensure peace, security and stability, and to avoid threat or the use of force.
He said Malaysia had called on all parties to ensure non-militarisation in the South China Sea.
“Malaysia’s principled and consistent position was well received and accepted, and reflected as agreed texts in documents issued during the country’s chairmanship, including the various Chairman’s Statements and Joint Communique of Asean Ministerial Meeting.”