MALAYSIA should not be overly concerned about the arrival of foreign naval ships at our ports as these vessels would have sought permission from the Foreign Ministry or the Defence Ministry before docking as is standard practice.
The recent arrival of two Chinese naval ships in Penang has stirred some discomfort among opposition leaders despite their visit being a goodwill mission.
The ships stayed for three days during which naval personnel visited local schools and other sites.
Hosting foreign naval ships is not a new practice for Malaysia. When I was with the Penang state government, we welcomed Indian naval ships and even attended a function hosted on one of them.
At that time, Chinese naval ships were also docked at Penang’s port. Thus, this is not the first time that Chinese naval vessels have visited our ports.
Bersatu Indera Mahkota MP Datuk Seri Saifuddin Abdullah has raised concerns about the arrival of these Chinese ships, questioning whether they had obtained prior permission from the relevant ministries.
While Malaysia may have on-going maritime disputes with China, these should not prevent us from maintaining good and warm relations with the country.
In the past, US and other foreign naval vessels have also docked in Malaysian ports without raising concerns from the opposition.
It is puzzling why the opposition is suddenly raising the issue of Chinese naval ships.
Is it because their presence is seen as more sensitive compared to ships from countries like India or the US? I am unsure what “public sensitivity” Saifuddin is referring to.
On the contrary, the more foreign naval vessels that visit our ports, the better it is for fostering cordial international relations.
Let us not get too myopic or sensitive about foreign naval vessels calling at the ports in Malaysia. – Oct 11, 2024
Former DAP stalwart and Penang chief minister II Prof Ramasamy Palanisamy is chairman of the United Rights of Malaysian Party (Urimai) interim council.
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.
