Malaysia PM says China gave reassurance after map stirred South China Sea dispute

Anwar Ibrahim, the prime minister of Malaysia, claimed that China has pledged to continue talks with Southeast Asian nations over disputed territorial claims in the South China Sea and refrain from taking any steps that would lead to an escalation.

Anwar claimed that Chinese Premier Li Qiang offered him the promise after Beijing published a chart with a “10-dash line” last month that appeared to expand its claims in the disputed waters.

The map has been rejected by Malaysia and several other Southeast Asian nations.

Anwar claimed that Li was “clear and categorical” when he stated that China would carry on with its negotiations and not “exercise any action that would explode or cause dissension with our colleagues, our friends in the region.”

“That was very reassuring,” Anwar told the media.

Anwar stated that China’s attempts to impose its sovereignty over Taiwan are causing tensions to rise and that both sides should avoid “unnecessary provocations” that could have a negative impact on the area.

Anwar also addressed concerns raised about his dedication to democratic changes after his administration dropped corruption charges against important supporters, indicted opposition figures for sedition, and heightened scrutiny of Malaysia’s LGBTQ population.

Anwar asserted that laws prohibiting seditious remarks about the nation’s monarchy should be respected and that he would not interfere with the attorney general of Malaysia’s choices.

He reaffirmed that Malaysia will not recognise LGBTQ rights, but he added that the community shouldn’t be subjected to harassment. He also spoke out against his government’s decision to forbid Swatch watches honouring the Pride movement.

This year, the Malaysian home ministry seized and later outlawed the sale of rainbow-colored timepieces from Swatch’s “Pride collection” on the grounds that they would be detrimental to morality and the general welfare.

According to the ministry, selling or possessing the prohibited item was punishable by up to three years in prison and a fine.

“I wouldn’t defend that actually, they were as you say, excesses, but… there is a consensus in the country, they do not accept (LGBTQ rights),” Anwar said.

(With agency inputs)