KUCHING: Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah has stressed that the proposal to rename the South China Sea is a personal stance, and there is no reason for any party to be dissatisfied with it.
According to the Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts, the issue should not be viewed through political lens as it could harm understanding between nations.
“There is no reason for any party to be dissatisfied with this proposal. It is my personal view… rather, they should refrain from meddling in this sensitive issue,” he said during a press conference for the upcoming Borneo Highlands Glamping Festival 2.0 2024 at Baitul Makmur II Building, Petra Jaya here yesterday (Nov 28).
Abdul Karim had expressed his personal opinion on the ongoing disputes over territorial claims in waters near Sarawak, which have long been a source of livelihood for local communities.
“The seas off the coast of Sarawak have been a place where the people of Sarawak, including our ancestors, earned their livelihood for survival.
“We have long had names for these areas, including Beting Patinggi Ali. We have never had issues before. However, in recent years, a country located over 3,000 kilometres away has suddenly claimed this area.
“This is my personal view… If the reason for this claim is because the name ‘China’ is in the South China Sea, then it’s better to just change the name,” he added.
He stressed that the area belongs to Malaysia, based on international law.
“That belongs to us. I know some parties may be overly sensitive, but we adhere to international law, such as the United Nations Convention agreed upon in 1982. That agreement does not recognise China’s claims over the area.
“Although this issue is better handled by the federal government, I want to voice my view that this area is our right.
“We have also gazetted Beting Patinggi Ali (Luconia Shoals), located 84 nautical miles (155 km) off the coast of Miri (specifically Tanjung Baram), as Malaysia’s largest Marine Park,” he said.
Abdul Karim explained that the marine park demonstrates Malaysia’s sovereignty over the waters, which cannot be claimed based on the nine-dash line or merely because of the name South China Sea.
“How can you claim this area just because of the nine-dash line or the name South China Sea? If that’s the issue, maybe we should rename it the Sunda Sea,” he asserted.
