After a leaked diplomatic document revealed Beijing’s opposition, Malaysia’s prime minister Anwar Ibrahim said on Thursday ( Sep 5 ) that the country would continue to pursue oil and gas exploration in the South China Sea.
Nevertheless, he took a diplomatic walk, describing China as a companion and saying both countries do discuss the issue amicably.
Petronas, Malaysia’s state-run fuel company, maintains oil and gas fields in its special economic zone close to the sea.
China asserts that almost all of the country’s industrially important waters are based on global court rulings that disprove its claim.
Anwar told reporters while he was on a trip to Russia that “what we did in terms of fuel inquiry is undoubtedly within our lakes.”
His press conference was broadcast live on Indonesian TV.
” We will definitely react to China by outlining our place that we have never intended to be in any way controversial, excessively hostile,” Anwar said.
” China is a great companion. But we will of training have to work in our waters and safe financial benefits, including drilling for petrol, in our place”.