Sarawak is echoing the stance of the Federal Government by not recognizing China’s new map that includes Malaysia’s maritime areas, according to Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. The state Premier stated that the “China Standard Map Edition 2023” is not internationally binding and has no impact on Sarawak. He emphasized that there is an international law of the sea endorsed by the United Nations (UN), in which China is a member. Regardless of whether China respects UN law, the core issue remains that the area belongs to Malaysia. Abang Johari made these remarks during a press conference after chairing a Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) supreme council meeting in Kuching on September 1.
The Foreign Ministry of Malaysia previously stated on August 31 that the country does not acknowledge China’s claims in the South China Sea based on the map, emphasizing that it holds no binding authority over Malaysia. The map, among other elements, illustrates China’s unilateral maritime claims encroaching upon Malaysia’s maritime areas in Sabah and Sarawak, using the 1979 Malaysia New Map as a reference.
Regarding Malaysia’s position, Abang Johari confirmed that Sarawak, being part of Malaysia, also does not accept the map. In separate news, PBB will host a special convention in conjunction with Sarawak’s 60th independence anniversary celebration this year. Scheduled for September 23 in Kuching, the convention will subsequently take place in Betong on October 8, Sibu on October 29, and Miri on November 11. Its purpose is to familiarize PBB members with the state’s new economy, which will rely on renewable energy and its associated industries.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
