KOTA KINABALU – As Malaysia and China engage in crucial discussions on South China Sea cooperation this week, leaders in Sabah are voicing concerns, warning that any agreements must not undermine the state’s sovereign rights.
Former Deputy Chief Minister and honorary president of the United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (Upko), Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau, highlighted the need to safeguard Sabah and Sarawak’s territorial claims in these talks.
“Any agreements reached must not compromise our claims to the continental shelf within Malaysian territorial waters,” Tangau told Scoop, adding that protecting these rights is vital for both states.
Warisan President and former Sabah Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal, also expressed concern but refrained from further comment until he had reviewed the details of the negotiations.
Sabah Deputy Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Jeffrey Kitingan, meanwhile, asserted that Sabah must be part of any discussions involving its territory or resources.
“Any discussion that touches on Sabah’s territory must have the consent of the Sabah government. Sabah should be part of the talks to ensure our interests are protected,” Kitingan said.
Lee Kuok Tiung, an Associate Professor at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) and a political analyst, underscored Sabah’s unique maritime position, particularly its resource-rich continental shelf.
“These resources are crucial to Sabah’s economy and Malaysia as a whole. Any maritime agreement must prioritize safeguarding Sabah’s rights and resources. Failing to do so could have long-term negative consequences for both the state and the country,” Lee warned.
Senior Sabah lawyer Datuk Roger Chin voiced similar concerns, noting that Sabah and Sarawak have distinct stakes in the ongoing discussions.
“As a Sabahan, I hope the talks between Malaysia and China are handled with the utmost care, especially when it comes to safeguarding Malaysia’s EEZ. Sabah’s continental shelf contributes significantly to our economy, particularly through oil and gas exploration.
“While cooperation with China is important, it should not come at the expense of our territorial integrity or our ability to sustainably manage our marine wealth,” Chin told Scoop.
However, he expressed confidence that the federal government would protect Sabah and Sarawak’s interests during the negotiations.
In Tawau, Sri Tanjong Warisan assemblyman Justin Wong questioned the absence of the Chief Minister of Sabah and the Premier of Sarawak from the high-level talks.
“Both Chief Ministers chair their respective state National Security Councils. Their exclusion from these talks is concerning, especially given the significant impact on Sabah and Sarawak’s maritime territories,” Wong said.
He also emphasised the need for transparency and the protection of Malaysia’s EEZ rights.
Despite these concerns, DAP’s Datuk Chan Foong Hin, Member of Parliament for Kota Kinabalu, expressed optimism about Malaysia’s handling of the issue.
Citing reports that Malaysia and China had agreed to pursue “pragmatic maritime cooperation”, Chan said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had assured that Petronas, the state-owned energy company, would continue its oil and gas exploration activities in the South China Sea.
“I have confidence that the government will defend our national interests while maintaining good relations with China,” Chan said.
As discussions between Malaysia and China continue, Sabah’s leaders are closely monitoring developments, stressing the importance of protecting the state’s resource-rich continental shelf.
The outcome of these talks could significantly affect Malaysia’s management of maritime disputes and its broader relationship with China. Sabah and Sarawak’s economies are heavily reliant on their marine resources, making this issue especially critical.
For Sabah, the South China Sea borders the northern and eastern coasts of the state, covering areas including the continental shelf over which Sabah claims rights.
Sabah has long fought for its rightful claim over its continental shelf, which extends beyond the three nautical miles set by the Territorial Sea Act 2012 (TSA 2012). This area is known for its abundant marine resources and strategic importance. – October 17, 2024.