KOTA KINABALU: Former Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Yong Teck Lee has called for stronger coordination on territorial security matters in Sabah, stressing that it should go beyond the physical aspects such as asset deployment and the presence of security agencies.
He said that any mismanagement of the Sulu claim by the federal government would place the responsibility on Sabah, adding that "any mistake would fall on Sabah to bear."
Highlighting recent amendments to the Land Ordinance, which assert that the continental shelf beneath and airspace above Sabah's waters belong to the state, he said, "Sabah has passed amendments to ensure that our territorial rights are recognised, and we must ensure these rights are respected."
Yong said this during the question-and-answer session at the state Legislative Assembly, in response to Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal (Warisan-Senallang), who asked about the coordination between Sabah and federal authorities in addressing the threats in the South China Sea.
In replying to the question, Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Datuk Abidin Madingkir acknowledged the complexity of these security challenges, saying, "The threats in the South China Sea are complex and sensitive, and any developments there could have direct or indirect implications for national security and the economy."
He said that these issues must be handled diplomatically, in line with international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS 1982).
Abidin also assured that the federal and state governments were working together to safeguard national sovereignty.
"National interests in terms of security and sovereignty will continue to be the primary basis for any actions taken concerning threats in the South China Sea," he said.
He also outlined the efforts made through integrated operations.
"Security agencies, including the Royal Malaysian Navy, Royal Malaysian Air Force, and Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency, continue to conduct strategic operations in the sensitive areas of the South China Sea to safeguard national sovereignty and economic activities," he said.
Highlighting the collaboration between federal and state agencies, such as the Sabah Ports and Harbors Department and Sabah Fisheries Department, in strengthening efforts to manage maritime security, he said: "Through these coordinated operations, we continue to safeguard our waters while upholding national and state interests."
Abidin also confirmed that the Foreign Ministry, in partnership with the state government, had actively lodged protests against foreign incursions into Malaysian territorial waters.