KUCHING: The federal government must take appropriate actions against China for encroaching into the country’s airspace and waters in the South China Sea.
Balingian assemblyman Abdul Yakub Arbi in a statement on Tuesday (July 26) expressed concern over the silence of the government, especially Wisma Putra, on the issue of China’s violation of the country’s sovereignty.
He said the issue must be taken seriously and the government should not keep silent to avoid offending certain parties when their actions violate the interests and sovereignty of the country.
“I think this is not right, I am more and more worried about China’s approach in our airspace and waters in the South China Sea. Don’t we all see?
“Since 2021, there have been reports revealing that China’s ‘invisible’ fighter jets, the J-20, have been hovering in the airspace of the East and South China Sea to conduct routine patrols and exercises.
“This behaviour can actually harm shipping and fishing activities. A note of objection should be made through diplomatic channels immediately.
“Here in Sarawak, we can proactively take a diplomatic approach so that China understands the concerns of local fishermen who depend on the sea for sustenance. Think about our people too, until when do we want to keep quiet like this?” he lamented.
He explained that the Foreign Affairs Ministry and the Defence Ministry need to craft resolutions to defend the sovereignty of the homeland, especially in view of the safety of the people in Sarawak and Sabah.
“The series of space and maritime invasions of Borneo and the East Coast of the Peninsular that occurred after the COVID-19 pandemic seems to give the impression that the government does not have a mitigation and recovery plan for this crisis which is quite worrying.
“Actually, Malaysia is not alone in this dispute. The Philippines, Vietnam and Brunei have all officially disputed the South China Sea conflict. It is clear the position of the ASEAN countries against the dishonest actions of the Chinese military.
“All major countries such as China, Russia, and the United States need to understand and never take advantage by holding military exercises in the China Sea that can so clearly invite provocation, a security threat that will eventually be seen as a war zone.
“The fact is that everyone needs to respect each other’s national sovereignty in this region and not take advantage because the South China Sea region has always been peaceful and safe for fishing boats before,” he stressed.
