Why the warm welcome for Chinese navy ships in Penang, says PN MP

 

FMT:

Why the warm welcome

for Chinese navy ships in

Penang, says PN MP

FMT Reporters

-10 Oct 2024, 10:35 AM

Indera Mahkota MP Saifuddin Abdullah asks whether the foreign or defence ministry had been consulted beforehand.

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Saifuddin Abdullah said the government needs to be more mindful of public sentiment, given the ongoing concerns over intrusions into Malaysian waters near Sabah and Sarawak.

PETALING JAYA: 

An opposition MP has questioned the warm welcome given to two Chinese naval ships that docked in Penang last Saturday, given the ongoing concerns about China’s activities in Malaysian maritime zones.

Perikatan Nasional’s Indera Mahkota MP Saifuddin Abdullah also criticised the move to allow the Chinese crew members to visit a school, asking why the particular school was chosen.

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 asked in a statement today.

Saifuddin, who served as the foreign minister during the Ismail Sabri Yaakob administration, said the government should be more sensitive and mindful of public sentiment.

The government needs to be more sensitive and mindful of public sentiment, especially since the media frequently reports on the intrusion of Chinese assets into our waters near Sabah and Sarawak, including protests received by Petronas regarding its activities in Kasawari,

 he said.

The Chinese naval ships Qi Jiguang and JingGangShan docked in Penang on Saturday for a three-day goodwill visit intended to enhance mutual trust between the naval forces of China and Malaysia.

News reports said the naval personnel visited a private high school in Penang while making courtesy calls to local officials.

State executive councillor for tourism Wong Hon Wai reportedly said these exchanges reflect a commitment to peace and security in the region.

Saifuddin also said the government has yet to address the issue of Chinese nationals entering the country and becoming allegedly untraceable, raising security and sovereignty concerns.

I hope the defence ministry, the Penang government and the education ministry will provide clarification on this matter,

 he said.

***

USS Blue Ridge arrives in Port Klang, Malaysia

17 July 2024

From Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet Public Affairs Office

PORT KLANG, Malaysia — U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) and embarked 7th Fleet staff arrived in Port Klang, Malaysia for a routine port visit, July 17, 2024.

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The port visit demonstrates the continuation of over 65 years of economic, security, and people-to-people relations between the two countries.

"Thank you to the people of Port Klang and Kuala Lumpur for their warm welcome of our Blue Ridge and Seventh Fleet teams,” said Vice Adm. Fred Kacher, commander, U.S. 7th Fleet. “Malaysia is a key partner for us in the region, and this port visit provides us an important opportunity to meet with our Royal Malaysian Navy counterparts, engage with the community here, and enjoy the local sights and culture."  

During the port visit, 7th Fleet and Blue Ridge leadership will meet with their Malaysian counterparts and local leaders to discuss ways to further advance the U.S.-Malaysia military partnership.   

“Maritime security in the region has been and remains a top priority for the United States.  The visit of the USS Blue Ridge to Malaysia is a testament to our strong defense partnership, which includes 14 bilateral and multilateral exercises with Malaysia.  The United States is committed to further bolstering this partnership and deepening our robust and growing defense cooperation with Malaysia,” said Manu Bhalla, Chargé d’Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Kuala Lumpur.

Additionally, members from the ship’s crew and the 7th Fleet staff will participate in community relations and cultural events to learn about the local history, and engage with the community and people of Kuala Lumpur.

As the 7th Fleet flagship, Blue Ridge is the oldest operational ship in the Navy and routinely operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners to preserve a free and open Indo-Pacific.