No Nuclear Ships Can Dock in Malaysia

Malaysia will not let nuclear-powered and nuclear-armed ships to dock here or carry out training as it can lead to conflict in future, said Defence Minister Mohamad Sabu.

However, he said if such vessels want to pass through, it could be discussed.

“If they want to pass through, that can be discussed. But we will not hold joint military exercises or allow them to dock their vessels here as it may bring conflict in the region in future,” he said during question and answer session in Dewan Rakyat today.

Mohamad (Amanah-Kota Raja), better known as Mat Sabu, said Malaysia had become an important maritime country and almost all our seas had turned into economic area such as the South China Sea and Straits of Malacca.

“The Straits of Malacca has become one of the busiest waterways in the world with some 100,000 ships passing through every year,” he said.

Mohamad also said Malaysia would continue to intensify diplomatic ties with the United States (US) and with China over their military presence in the South China Sea.

“The presence of military by China and the US in the South China Sea is very worrying.

“We will intensify our dialogues and diplomacy with China and the US to avoid the area being turned into a war zone,” he said.

This was the first time Mohamad had answered questions as a minister in Dewan Rakyat.

He displayed a different character as a minister compared to his colourful character previously.

Mohamad reiterated that Malaysia was still holding on the neutral policy stance until today.

Thus, he said Malaysia would not be involved in any conflict in other countries as what had happened in Saudi Arabia.

Mohamad also said Malaysia would continue to improve relations with Saudi Arabia from time to time.

“I have met Saudi Arabia ambassador in Malaysia and we discussed programmes to strengthen relations between the two countries, including the need for joint military training.

“But we are not there to engage in warfare between two neighbouring countries,” he said.