Incident Involving Petronas Vessel Near Indonesia Resolved Amicably - PM Anwar
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 23 (Bernama) -- The recent incident involving a Petronas vessel that was surrounded and driven away by a group of fishing boats near Ketapang, Madura Island in Indonesia has been resolved amicably.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the Malaysian government takes the matter seriously, but emphasised that the incident had not escalated to a level that required it to be raised with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, as both countries maintain strong diplomatic channels to address such issues.
“The incident involving the Petronas vessel has not reached the stage where we need to contact President Prabowo. Generally, our relations with Indonesia remain good, and any border issues are resolved amicably as friends,” he said.
“As for encroachment cases involving fishermen from either Malaysia or Indonesia, we always try to settle them diplomatically,” he said in the Dewan Rakyat today, in response to a question from Datuk Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man (PN-Kubang Kerian) who sought clarification on the government’s stance regarding border issues following the incident.
On border issues with neighbouring countries, Anwar said the government has no plans to establish a Permanent Boundary Commission, but will instead continue to use dialogue and diplomatic platforms with the countries involved.
“Whether it’s Thailand or Vietnam in terms of maritime boundaries, or Singapore and Brunei, although there are minor differences, there remain a few areas yet to be finalised,” he said.
Meanwhile, replying to an additional question from Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman (MUDA–Muar) regarding Malaysia’s position and cooperation with major powers after the conclusion of its ASEAN Chairmanship, the prime minister said Malaysia’s network of relations with other countries will remain strong.
Citing the upcoming presence of US President Donald Trump at the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, said Trump is scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with Malaysia before attending a special meeting with ASEAN countries.
“At the very least, the US recognises that Malaysia, with its policy of centrality, is the only country capable of bringing together nations with differing views.
“We welcome them not only because of ASEAN but also due to Malaysia’s foreign policy, which favours friendship with all parties to safeguard the interests of the Malaysian people in terms of trade, international relations, geopolitics and investments that benefit the nation.
“So, our relations with certain countries, which may not be agreed upon by others, do not prevent us from making independent decisions,” he said.
The 47th ASEAN Summit, to be held in the capital from Oct 26 to 28, will be attended by the leaders of the 10 ASEAN member states, as well as leaders and representatives from various continents.
Timor-Leste, which previously attended as an observer, is also set to become the 11th member of the regional grouping.
ASEAN currently comprises 10 member countries — Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
-- BERNAMA
