KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia will remain firm in defending its sovereignty over the ongoing dispute of the South China Sea despite having good ties with China, the Dewan Rakyat heard today.
Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Mohamad Alamin said the government will utilise all existing platforms for any negotiations with the republic regarding the matter.
"The government is resolute in not compromising on matters relating to our country's sovereignty.
"(And) From the beginning, we have been firm in defending our sovereignty and we will continue to utilise existing platforms to negotiate with China (on the matter).
"We have the mechanism and we will continue to negotiate discussions involving the code of conduct in the South China Sea," he said during minister's question time in Dewan Rakyat, today.
Mohamad said this in response to a supplementary question from Zakri Hassan (PN-Kangar) who enquired about the government's stance on the South China Sea dispute.
Meanwhile, he added that Malaysia will also leverage the existing Asean framework for negotiations and discussions with China.
"Malaysia will also leverage its position as the chairman of Asean next year to strengthen cooperation with China and member countries.
"Last month, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that the bilateral meeting held with its China counterpart Premier Li Qiang had touched on the importance of maintaining peace, security and stability in the South China Sea.
Following the meeting, Anwar said both countries agreed to resolve disputes by peaceful means through friendly consultations and negotiations, in line with the recognised international law, including the United Nations Convention 1982 on the Law of the Sea.