KUALA LUMPUR – Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar has emphasised that stern action must be taken to protect the country’s sovereignty, regardless of the size or significance of the territory in question.
Speaking in the Dewan Rakyat today, His Majesty said that such action can be undertaken in the form of diplomatic notes, laws and defence measures.
Such measures aimed at allowing the nation’s interest to continue being protected, he said, should be applied “even if it’s just a coral reef in the middle of the sea.”
It was previously reported that between 2016 and 2019, Chinese coast guard and navy ships intruded into Malaysian waters in the disputed South China Sea a total of 89 times, often remaining in the area even after being turned away by the Royal Malaysian Navy.
Besides that, Malaysia and Singapore previously contested the sovereignty of Pulau Batu Puteh, Middle Rocks and South Ledge. In 2008, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled that sovereignty over Pulau Batu Puteh belonged to Singapore, while Middle Rocks was awarded to Malaysia.
Last year, a Royal Commission of Inquiry found that former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s decision not to proceed with a revision application on the ICJ ruling was “untenable” and had caused Malaysia to lose Pulau Batu Puteh permanently, with no avenue for appeal.
The commission also proposed a criminal investigation against Dr Mahathir for deceiving the government into surrendering Malaysia’s claim over the islands.
In a previous exclusive, Scoop highlighted Malaysia’s concerns over a high-level bilateral agreement with China regarding maritime cooperation in the South China Sea.
This agreement, which could grant China oil and gas exploration rights in Malaysia’s waters, was viewed as potentially compromising Malaysia’s sovereignty. However, it was reported that the talks, expected to be held in Langkawi, have stalled.
The impasse follows significant opposition from various quarters, including politicians, MPs and security experts. While no decisions have been made regarding energy exploration, a follow-up bilateral meeting is expected.
‘End violence in Gaza immediately’
Meanwhile, the King also reiterated Putrajaya’s stance calling for an end to the ongoing violence in occupied Palestine perpetrated by Israel.
He noted that Malaysia must remain firm in defending principles of peace while opposing violence and oppression, especially considering its Asean chairmanship role this year.
“The war on Gaza must be immediately ended and legal justice should be implemented.
“The (Malaysian) government also needs to wisely maintain diplomatic relations with all parties and increase strategic cooperations when dealing with regional issues as well as matters relating to national boundaries,” Sultan Ibrahim said as part of his royal address.
He also stressed that Malaysia must showcase its ability to lead and determine the direction of Asean as its chairman.
Malaysia recently joined forces with eight other participating nations to form The Hague Group, which has reaffirmed its commitment to taking effective measures to end Israeli occupation of Palestine.
In The Hague Group’s inaugural joint statement issued on January 31, representatives from the governments of the nine participating nations reiterated their intention to uphold international law and ensure accountability for alleged crimes against the occupied Palestinian territory.
Meanwhile, commenting on the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign, Sultan Ibrahim said the initiative will open up economic opportunities while strengthening the nation’s global image.
As such, he called for cooperation amongst all parties to ensure the campaign’s success, noting that no tourist would want to visit a nation that is unclean with high crime rates.
The King also urged the government to implement proactive measures in upholding the agriculture, commodities and food supply chain sectors, adding that agendas to strengthen the Bumiputera economy via the support of government companies should be continued.
His Majesty’s royal address marked the opening of the First Meeting of the Fourth Session of the 15th Parliament, which is set to run for 18 days. Lawmakers will debate the speech for seven days starting February 4, followed by winding-up sessions by ministries from February 19 to 25. The Dewan Negara will sit for 13 days beginning March 3. – February 3, 2025