KUCHING: Sarawak holds the same stance as Malaysia where it does not recognise China’s new map that claims waters off Malaysia’s coast in the South China Sea.
“Malaysia has clarified its position; they cannot accept the map. It is not binding on Malaysia. It means that Sarawak is within Malaysia. That is our position,” he said.
He said this to reporters after chairing the Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Supreme Council meeting at the party’s headquarters here on Friday.
Abang Johari also mentioned the said new map does not affect Sarawak.
“It is because there is an international law that you have to comply with, which is the international law of the sea, it is sanctioned by the United Nations (UN), and China is a member of UN,” he said.
He further said the core issue is that area claimed by China is within the areas of Malaysia.
“Don’t tell me, we can also issue a new map, because the map is not binding internationally. So that is why we have to comply with the international law,” he said.
On Tuesday (Aug 29), it was reported that China released its 2023 official standard map which includes a significant portion of Malaysian waters near Sabah and Sarawak.
Meanwhile, Foreign Ministry in a statement said it does not recognise China’s claims in the South China Sea as outlined in the map, which covers Malaysia’s maritime area.
On another matter, Abang Johari said that the Sarawak government is always ready to work with all local and foreign oil and gas companies to advance the oil and gas industry.
“It is true that we work with PETRONAS as a Malaysian company. In addition, we also collaborate with Shell because Shell also plays an important role in the oil and gas industry since 1910,” he said.
He added the state will work with anyone who invests in Sarawak, especially those who focuses on renewable and sustainable energy platforms and policies.
When asked on whether PETROS is involved in the discovery of the six new oil and gas discoveries across five blocks offshore Sarawak, Abang Johari responded that, “PETROS is not directly involved.”
“But, we already have a commercial agreement with PETRONAS. In other words, we have carry interest within our Sarawak waters, he said.
