Khaled Nordin: Malaysia to reinforce defence, especially in Sabah, amid South China Sea tensions

Malaysia must boost its national defence in Sabah due to potential conflicts in the South China Sea involving major powers.

Defence Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin expressed concern about spillover effects from conflicts, especially due to increased US-Philippines military cooperation.

Malaysia respects the Philippines' right to develop its defence capabilities but must consider national security impacts due to proximity to Sabah.

KOTA KINABALU, Sept 26 — Malaysia needs to strengthen its national defence, particularly in Sabah, as a precaution in the event of a clash between major powers in the South China Sea.

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said Malaysia’s main concern was the possibility of a conflict or unexpected incident in the area that could have spillover effects on the country, particularly Sabah.

“If unexpected things happen, we know the challenges in the South China Sea and the rivalry between major powers. If something happens in that geographically small area, it could also affect our country,” he said.

Mohamed Khaled said this to reporters after the launch of the National Defence Literacy programme at the Sabah International Convention Centre here today.

He was commenting on concerns among Sabahans following defence cooperation between the Philippines and the United States (US), which has led to increased development of military bases, including on Balabac Island in Palawan, located about 50 kilometres from Banggi Island, Kudat, Sabah.

Mohamed Khaled said Malaysia respected the Philippines’ right to strengthen its defence capabilities through cooperation with the US, but the development needed to be given attention due to Sabah’s proximity to the country.

He said Malaysia did not dispute the Philippines’ move, but as a neighbouring country, any increase in the development of military bases or the presence of military assets in the area needed to be taken into account from the national security perspective.

“Every country has its own right to strengthen its national defence.

“That is their right, and we do not dispute it, but as a neighbouring country, we are paying attention and should take measures that can help our country in terms of defence,” he said. — Bernama

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由于南海地区可能发生涉及大国的冲突，马来西亚必须加强沙巴州的国防建设。

国防部长穆罕默德·哈立德·诺丁对冲突的溢出效应表示担忧，特别是由于美菲军事合作的加强。

马来西亚尊重菲律宾发展国防能力的权利，但必须考虑到与沙巴州距离较近可能对国家安全造成的影响。

哥打基纳巴卢，9月26日讯——马来西亚需要加强国防，尤其是在沙巴州，以防南海大国之间发生冲突。

国防部长拿督斯里穆罕默德·卡立·诺丁表示，马来西亚的主要担忧是该地区可能发生冲突或意外事件，这可能会对该国，特别是沙巴州产生溢出效应。

他说：“如果发生意外情况，我们都知道南海面临的挑战以及大国之间的竞争。如果在这个地理面积很小的区域内发生任何事情，也可能影响到我们国家。”

穆罕默德·哈立德今天在沙巴国际会议中心启动国防知识普及计划后对记者说了这番话。

他是在评论菲律宾和美国之间的防务合作引发的沙巴人民的担忧时发表上述言论的。这种合作导致了军事基地的增加，其中包括位于巴拉望岛巴拉巴克岛的军事基地，该岛距离沙巴州古达市邦吉岛约 50 公里。

穆罕默德·哈立德表示，马来西亚尊重菲律宾通过与美国合作加强国防能力的权利，但鉴于沙巴与菲律宾的地理位置接近，这一事态发展需要引起重视。

他表示，马来西亚并不反对菲律宾的举动，但作为邻国，任何在该地区增加军事基地建设或军事资产部署的行为都需要从国家安全的角度加以考虑。

每个国家都有加强国防的权利。

他说：“那是他们的权利，我们并不质疑，但作为邻国，我们正在密切关注，并应采取措施帮助我国国防。”——马新社

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