Chinese Navy Ships Docking In Penang Doesn't Threaten National Sovereignty, Say Ministers
Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said individuals seen wearing navy-looking uniforms at a Penang private school were not soldiers but university students from China.
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Cabinet ministers have clarified that the presence of Chinese navy ships in Penang does not pose a threat to national sovereignty
Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil and Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek explained the docking of two Chinese naval ships at Penang Port was in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and China.
Fahmi noted that it is not uncommon for overseas warships to dock in Malaysia, and that the visits are always conducted in accordance with protocols set by Wisma Putra and with the knowledge of the Defence Ministry, reported Bernama.
"It is true that from time to time, warships from Australia, the US, China, and even India dock [at our ports]. They are often en route to another destination and dock here only for a few days.
"During the ships' docking period, the embassy or foreign representatives of the respective countries usually communicate to conduct certain activities to strengthen the ties between the two nations," he said yesterday, 10 October.
The communications minister denounced the spread of untrue claims, a phenomenon he has observed whenever foreign warships dock in Malaysia since 2010. He explained that these ships are often in the country for social activities to strengthen bilateral ties.
Meanwhile, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said a police report has been lodged to counter the false claim surrounding Chinese navy soldiers' appearance at a private school in Penang
Fadhlina clarified that individuals seen wearing navy-looking uniforms at Chung Ling High School were not navy crew members but students from China's Naval University of Engineering, reported FMT.
She said 165 students and lecturers attended an event at the school as part of the celebrations for the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
"It was a cultural exchange event involving university students and a local Chinese school. The misinformation has caused significant confusion and concern within the community," said the minister.
The ministers' explanations come after Indera Mahkota lawmaker Saifuddin Abdullah from Perikatan Nasional criticised the government for warmly welcoming two Chinese navy ships, Qi Jiguang and JingGangShan, last Saturday, 5 October.
Saifuddin, a former foreign minister under Ismail Sabri Yaakob's administration, argued that celebrating the ships' arrival was inappropriate given the ongoing maritime disputes involving China and several countries in the region.
"Was the Foreign Ministry consulted beforehand? Was this a decision by the Defence Ministry? Why were they given such a warm and festive reception?" he was quoted as saying.