LETTER | South China Sea: M'sia should work on a code conduct using Asean

LETTER | The Association of Welfare, Community and Dialogue welcomes Malaysia’s role as the new chair for Asean.

According to reports, Malaysia, which will officially assume the role on Jan 1, 2025, is set to play a more active role in international issues and will continue to strengthen regional peace, stability and prosperity.

The question is will Malaysia pursue peace, stability and prosperity in the region by proactively engaging Asean on a code of conduct for the South China Sea, and playing a role in a permanent Asean-China solution to the disputes in the South China Sea?

Or will it be merely concerned with empowering member states and strengthening economic growth in the region as some analysts have predicted?

It is vital for Asean to have a common principle when it comes to territorial sovereignty especially in safeguarding its sovereign rights within its territorial waters if there is to be peace and stability in the long run.

It is common knowledge that a leaked classified note, which was carried by a Philippine news outlet, states that Beijing has asserted that Malaysia's oil and gas exploration in the South China Sea breached its territory.

One could not have peace and stability in the region if issues surrounding the South China Sea were not resolved amicably.

Beware of the US

The US, an imperial power, has used the disputes in South China Sea as leverage in persuading Asean countries to take a stand against China.

In my view, it should not be allowed, knowing the chaos the US has brought around the Middle East - where the region is divided and at war and dispute due to a lack of dialogue among nations to protect its sovereignty.

Therefore, the first step that Malaysia should take is to work with fellow Asean countries for a dialogue with China on coming up with a long overdue code of conduct about the South China Sea.

This would help in creating the right context for Asean -China dialogue to ensure the South China Sea does not become a battleground for the interest of imperial powers.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.