PUTRAJAYA: The docking of two Chinese naval ships at Penang Port is not a threat to national sovereignty, said Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil.
The unity government’s spokesperson explained that warships from other countries often dock at Malaysian ports, but all are done in accordance with protocols set by Wisma Putra and with the knowledge of the Defence Ministry.
“It’s true that from time to time, warships from Australia, the United States, China, and even India will dock (at our ports). They are often en route to another destination and will dock here for only a few days.
“During the ships’ docking period, the embassy or foreign representatives of the respective countries usually reach out to conduct activities to strengthen the ties between the two nations,” he told reporters after his ministry’s monthly assembly here yesterday, Bernama reported.
Fahmi said he regretted attempts by some netizens to invoke racial sentiments and hatred on the issue.
“Since 2010, I’ve noticed that every time foreign warships dock, certain netizens would publish untrue claims, even though these ships often engage in social activities to strengthen bilateral ties.
“We have good diplomatic relations with many countries, and when their warships dock temporarily at Malaysian ports, they often do so according to protocols,” he said, adding that the police and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission are looking into this matter and will take action against the netizens involved.
Penang tourism and creative economy committee chairman Wong Hon Wai has said that there should be no speculation over the visit of two Chinese navy vessels to Penang last weekend as it was done through official channels.
He said it was a goodwill visit that included students from China’s Naval University of Engineering and refuted claims otherwise on social media.
Following the visit, Bersatu International Bureau chairman Datuk Seri Saifuddin Abdullah, who is Indera Mahkota MP and a former foreign minister, issued a statement yesterday to call out the “exuberant reception” given to the two naval ships, saying that it came when there were allegations of Chinese assets encroaching on Malaysian waters in Sabah and Sarawak.
