FOREIGN nuclear-powered submarines are permitted to enter Malaysian waters so long as they follow all applicable laws and regulations and don’t cause any trouble, said Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.
The former Negri Sembilan menteri besar said this in response to questions from Bagan MP Lim Guan Eng following Australia’s decision to purchase eight such submarines as part of a tripartite deal between the nation, UK and US – known as AUKUS.
“To ensure the safety and sovereignty of the country as well as the region’s stability, Malaysia urges all quarters in or outside of Aukus not to take part in any provocative activities that can disturb the region’s peace and safety,” Mohamad said in the Dewan Rakyat today during the Minister’s Question Time.
“However, Malaysia respects the right of all nations to increase their respective defence capacity building.”
According to Mohamad, all ships and planes are given a freedom of navigation and overflight in open seas and exclusive economic zones, granted they obey the laws of the respective coastal nations under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
He added that the convention also stipulates that all submarines that operate in another country shall at all times be above water.
Mohamad also pointed out that if there is any submarine, either powered conventionally or by nuclear, that intends to sail underwater here, the navy of the country state must submit an application to the Royal Malaysian Navy via a diplomatic note to obtain special approval.
“This also applies to all submarines or warships that wish to enter our ports,” he added.
Furthermore, Lim had enquired about Malaysia’s position in light of the AUKUS defence pact’s decision for Australia to purchase eight nuclear-powered submarines costing more than RM1 tril, and the implications on Asean countries.
The question of whether pigboats will be permitted to operate in Asean countries’ waterways was also raised by the former finance minister.
Mohamad noted that representatives from all three nations under AUKUS had recently met with him in relation to the submarines, and that he had stated the country’s stand and principle for all nations to respect and abide by Malaysia and international legal instruments.
He further stated that at his meeting with Australia’s armed forces chief on March 9, his counterpart said that the eight submarines will not be outfitted with nuclear weapons, with the energy source just being utilised to power the engines.
“As an ASEAN member, Malaysia holds by the principle to maintain Southeast Asia as a peaceful, free and neutral region, including on the issue of nuclear weapons.” — March 30, 2023
Main photo credit: Wikipedia
