PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia has consistently used diplomatic channels to address various international issues, said Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil.
He said that this approach aligns with the principles advocated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in handling diplomatic matters.
"The issue was not discussed during today's Cabinet meeting, and I request that it be referred to Wisma Putra for further information," Fahmi said.
"However, the principle emphasised by the Prime Minister, as well as the Foreign Affairs Ministry, is to address such issues in the spirit of Asean through diplomatic channels," he added during the weekly press conference.
Fahmi made these comments in response to questions regarding whether Malaysia would hold bilateral talks with the Philippines instead of sending protest notes over its new maritime acts, which allegedly infringe on Sabah's maritime boundaries.
This follows statements made by Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Mohamad Alamin, who said Malaysia would send a note of protest to the Philippines regarding the new maritime acts.
Alamin also said one of the two acts was confirmed to extend beyond Malaysia's New Map of 1979, which was developed based on international law.
He added that the reference documents related to the same act also touched on the Philippines' claim over Sabah.
The act in question is the Philippine Maritime Zones Act, signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr on Nov 8.
He also referred to another act that infringed on Sabah's maritime boundaries, the Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act, but did not provide further details.