MAT SABU: NO NUCLEAR SHIPS CAN DOCK IN MALAYSIA
Move is to prevent conflict, says defence minister
MALAYSIA will not let nuclear-powered and nuclear-armed ships dock at its ports or carry out training as it could lead to conflict, said Defence Minister Mohamad Sabu.
“If they want to pass through our waters, that can be discussed. But we will not hold joint military exercises or allow them to dock their vessels here as it could lead to conflict,” he said during a question-and-answer session in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday.
Mohamad, who is Kota Raja member of parliament and fondly known as Mat Sabu, said Malaysia had become an important maritime country.
“Almost all of our waters have turned into economic areas, such as the South China Sea and Straits of Malacca.
“The Straits of Malacca has become one of the busiest waterways in the world, with some 100,000 ships passing through every year.”
He said Malaysia would intensify diplomatic ties with the United States and China due to their military presence in the South China Sea.
“Their presence is worrying. We will intensify our dialogues with China and the US to avoid the area being turned into a war zone.”
Yesterday was the first time he answered questions as a minister in the Dewan Rakyat. He reiterated Malaysia’s neutral stance, saying that it would not get involved in other countries’ conflicts, such as Saudi Arabia’s.
He said Malaysia would continue to improve ties with Saudi Arabia.
“I have met the Saudi Arabia ambassador and we talked about strengthening our ties, such as holding joint military training.
“But we are not there to engage in warfare between two neighbouring countries.”