EFFORTS by Petronas to develop oil and gas (O&G) reserves in Malaysia's exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the South China Sea must be considered a national priority and backed by the full weight of the government to guarantee Malaysia's territorial sovereignty.
Taking note of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's recent strong statements that Malaysia is a fiercely independent country, such sentiments must translate into action closer, namely the attempts by outside powers to undermine Malaysia's access to its own resources.
Prospecting and development activities carried out by Petronas are vital not only to Malaysia's economy and national income but also to demonstrate that Malaysia will not be deterred from making use of its own resources.
It has a right to but also demonstrate to foreign powers that it will not be bullied or forced out of the area.
Malaysia is an oil producing nation and a maritime nation. This is our history, our heritage and our right. We cannot allow room for any misunderstanding on this matter. If Malaysia wants to exploit O&G reserves in its own territory, no outside power can intervene and we must make it clear that we will not be intimidated.
Besides bringing in much needed income for Malaysia, developing these O&G reserves send a strong signal to those seeking to claim the whole of the South China Sea for themselves: This belongs to us and not to you. Don't get any ideas.
China has sent several survey vessels into Malaysia's EEZ with the intention of demonstrating that it does not approve of Malaysia's activities on territory that it claims for itself. One of these, the 4,600-ton Da Yang Hao had spent two weeks following Malaysian vessels in October, 2021.
Just months before, Chinese vessels were harassing the West Capella, a drillship under contract to Petronas. The harassment only stopped when navy ships from the US and Australia arrived in the area.
Incidents like these demonstrate the very real threat Malaysia faces. While holding leverage on Malaysia as a trade partner, China constantly tests the waters of the South China Sea to see how far Malaysia will go in its response.
If we leave room for doubt, we will be pushed out of the area and will not only suffer from loss in O&G revenue but also in fisheries, minerals and other resources.
The government must make it clear that any disruption to Petronas's activities is crossing a national red line. There will be repercussions for any such interference.
Besides beefing up our defensive capabilities, Malaysia must make use of its diplomatic tools. Do not remain quiet when such harassment occurs. Make it public and send protest notes. At least the public will know who is putting the country's economy at risk.
Malaysia is one of four major claimants among the member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), with each having drawn their respective EEZ's, some of which overlap. Negotiations and cooperation are underway under the Asean framework to resolve these disputes.
However China claims the whole area for itself under its "nine-dash line" which covers the whole area. Even in its most recent maps released this year and despite these claims not being recognised by international law.
I first coined the phrase "Kancil Diplomacy" more than a decade ago, describing how a small nation-state like Malaysia should position itself amidst great power rivalry. Now, "Kaldai Diplomacy" is diplomacy characterised by cheap publicity stunts.
* The writer s a widely quoted Economist & International Relations expert. He was previously attached to a leading local think tank and has been engaged as a consultant for government agencies and international institutions. He did his graduate studies at Macquarie University, Australia. The opinions expressed in this article are his personal views.