The heightening tensions between the United States and China in the Asia-Pacific have altered the security realities in the region, according to Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who called for increased defence spending for the country.
Anwar said that while Malaysia will continue to pursue good diplomatic ties with Washington and Beijing, it is still important for the country’s armed forces to be properly equipped to defend national sovereignty and interests.
The Malaysian prime minister said the government must be prepared to spend billions to ensure the country has sufficient capabilities to engage rising defense challenges.
“The government had increased defence allocations over the past two to three years in response to changes in the regional security environment,” said Anwar during his government’s budget engagement session last Tuesday.
“This is no longer an ordinary region. It is increasingly becoming a focal point of tensions between two major powers, the United States and China,” Anwar added.
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The Sabah issue
However, Anwar mentioned that it is also concerning that the US operates a military base south of the Philippines, in proximity to Sabah.
Balabac Island, Palawan, is one of the Philippine territories that houses a US military base under the Enhanced Defense Co-operation Agreement between the two countries.
“As a close neighbour, and given the issue of the claim over Sabah, naturally we are somewhat concerned, although our bilateral relations with the Philippines are very good,” said Anwar.
The US base, where strategic facilities and an airstrip are located, is about 20 minutes away from Sabah.
In a report from the Philippine News Agency, Manila maintained that the country has a valid territorial claim over Sabah.
“The Philippines, with the enactment of the Philippine Maritime Zones Act of 2024, Republic Act 12064, has not repealed Section 2 of Republic Act 5446, which defines the baselines of the territorial zones of the Philippine archipelago and is without prejudice to the Philippines’ existing and valid claims on the portion of North Borneo,” said DFA maritime affairs spokesperson Rogelio Villanueva at a media briefing last February 20.
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