Engagement Doesn’t Mean Approval Of Excessive Actions In South China Sea - PM Anwar

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 28 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim affirmed that Malaysia’s commitment to maintaining engagement with all nations, including major powers, must never be misconstrued as tacit approval of any excessive or provocative actions, particularly in sensitive theatres such as the South China Sea.

Addressing a question on the recent incident in which a Chinese military aircraft released flares perilously close to an Australian surveillance plane over disputed waters, he said Malaysia adopts a principled approach by voicing its concerns once the facts are fully verified while continuing constructive dialogue with all parties involved.

“Now, once we establish the facts, we will raise this issue. Engagement does not mean condoning any excesses -- the Chinese know that,” he said at a joint press conference with his Australian counterpart, Anthony Albanese, after the Malaysia-Australia Third Annual Leaders’ Meeting here today.

Anwar said that Malaysia, despite being a small nation, has the right to voice its views with wisdom and balance.

“In my private exchanges with United States President Donald Trump, I told him that we represent a very small country and a relatively small economy, but we still represent a nation — and we have the right to express our views.”

-- BERNAMA