Khaled: Be realistic, diplomacy still best option in South China Sea dispute

PARLIAMENT | Defence Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin today chided certain MPs who he said continuously used the Dewan Rakyat to question Malaysia's military capabilities to protect its territory in the South China Sea.

He said such actions are not helping the situation and also open the armed forces to speculations and prejudices.

“It is important for everyone here, both the government and opposition, to show confidence in the armed forces and other law enforcement agencies.

“We must show our support, trust and confidence to all our soldiers who are giving their best in this regard,” he said.

“It is not helping if this august house is continuously used as a platform to doubt, question, spark fear or for politicking about the situation at the South China Sea, or continuously demand (the government) to reveal our armed forces’ capabilities.

“Not only it doesn’t help to improve the situation, but such action also opens the armed forces to all sorts of prejudices and speculations,” Khaled (above) said in his Supply Bill 2025 winding-up speech.

The minister did not name anyone but it is believed that one of the MPs he targeted with the remarks was Shahidan Kassim (PN-Arau), who earlier today criticised the government over its response to China’s intrusion at the Luconia Shoals off Sarawak.

Among others, Shahidan panned Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari’s statement last month that the government still has the situation in the South China Sea under control, and Deputy Foreign Minister Mohamad Alamin for giving a “diplomatic” answer when pressed on the same issue in the Dewan Rakyat.

Adding further, Khaled told MPs that the government has to be realistic when dealing with disputes, especially those involving superpowers like China.

Diplomacy not dead

While several of its neighbouring countries have adopted a more aggressive approach, Khaled stressed that going to war is not the best option.

“Are we hoping that the government would stop the diplomatic approach and instead adopt an aggressive and reckless response, especially when dealing with a superpower like China?

“Diplomacy is not dead. Diplomacy is still strong and relevant. While our neighbours may have chosen their own approach, I believe that war or getting into battle is not the best option that we want to use.

“Malaysia cannot act emotionally. We must always be strategic, realistic and thorough but will never allow our country’s sovereignty disturbed,” he said.

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