SHAH ALAM: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has rubbished Perikatan Nasional chairman Muhyiddin Yassin’s claim that he purportedly made “careless” remarks on the South China Sea, which is the centre of territorial disputes involving several countries.
Anwar said Muhyiddin had failed to read his statement “correctly”.
The prime minister had previously said Beijing had expressed concern over Petronas’ activities in an area of the South China Sea which was being claimed by China.
He had said Putrajaya was open to holding negotiations with Beijing “if China feels this is their right”.
On Thursday, Muhyiddin then claimed Anwar had indirectly acknowledged China’s claim on an area that officially belonged to Malaysia, adding that Malaysia’s territory must be defended.
The Bersatu president said Petronas’ exploration project was within Malaysia’s territory and could not be negotiated or demanded by China, adding that Anwar’s statement could threaten Malaysia’s sovereignty.
However, Anwar said he had told the Chinese government that Petronas’ activities in the South China Sea would continue.
“I said we will continue with our petroleum exploration project (in the South China Sea), full stop.
“I did not say we will give-and-take (with China),” he told reporters after an event here today.
Anwar said when Beijing expressed concern over the territory, he said the two governments could discuss the matter but maintained that China should not stop Petronas’ exploration project from continuing.
Gazettement of KL Structure Plan on hold
On a separate matter, Anwar said the gazettement of the Kuala Lumpur Structure Plan 2040 (KLSP2040) had been put on hold until the end of next month to allow for further discussions between Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) and relevant stakeholders.
NGO Save Kuala Lumpur had recently urged the government against approving the plan as the objections of residents had yet to be considered.
It also highlighted several shortcomings in the plan, including the failure to address the lack of open spaces in the city.
The KLSP2040 is aimed at guiding the city’s development over the next 20 years.
The first Kuala Lumpur Structure Plan was gazetted in 1984. The second plan was announced in 2004 and is known as the Kuala Lumpur Structure Plan 2020.
In January 2018, DBKL commenced studies for the KLSP2040.
Source : FreeMalaysiaToday
