Malaysia announced it would send a formal protest note to the Philippines regarding new maritime laws that touch upon overlapping claims in the South China Sea. Deputy Foreign Minister Mohamad Alamin confirmed on Thursday that Malaysia’s government had reviewed the Philippines’ recent Maritime Zones Act and Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act. The review concluded that the laws impact Malaysian sovereignty, specifically related to the state of Sabah on Borneo island.
Malaysia’s Response: Defending Sabah’s Sovereignty
Speaking in parliament, Deputy Foreign Minister Mohamad Alamin stated, “We will send a protest note today to demonstrate our commitment to defending Sabah’s sovereign rights and the sovereignty of our country.” Malaysia’s stance underscores its determination to protect its territorial integrity amid the Philippines’ assertions in the region.
Sabah, located on the eastern part of Borneo, has long been the subject of a dormant Philippine claim dating back to colonial times. The Philippines has rarely addressed this claim in official statements, though a 2011 Supreme Court ruling reaffirmed the Philippines’ stance that the claim has not been abandoned.
Regional Tensions and China’s Involvement
Malaysia’s protest follows a similar complaint from China, which also raised concerns over the Philippines’ new maritime legislation. Manila has indicated that the laws aim to bolster its territorial integrity, reinforcing its claims within its maritime zones. This development adds to the already complex dynamics in the South China Sea, where multiple countries hold overlapping claims.
As regional tensions continue, Malaysia’s protest note reflects its commitment to safeguarding Sabah’s sovereignty and pushing back against claims that could challenge its territorial rights in the South China Sea.
(With inputs from Reuters)
