5-9-2024 (KUALA LUMPUR) The Malaysian Foreign Ministry, known locally as Wisma Putra, has announced the commencement of an internal investigation following a significant breach of classified diplomatic information. The breach came to light after a Filipino news outlet published an article on 29 August, revealing details of confidential diplomatic notes exchanged between Malaysia and China.
The leaked communication, addressed to the Malaysian Embassy in Beijing and dated 18 February, has raised serious concerns within the ministry. In a statement released on Wednesday, Wisma Putra emphasised the gravity of the situation, stating that it views the leak “with grave concern” as it pertains to official communication between two sovereign nations.
In addition to the internal probe, the ministry plans to file a police report to facilitate an investigation by relevant authorities, underscoring the seriousness with which it is treating the breach.
Addressing the content of the leaked information, which relates to the contentious South China Sea issue, the ministry reaffirmed Malaysia’s unwavering stance. “Malaysia’s position on the South China Sea remains unchanged,” the statement declared, emphasising the nation’s commitment to defending its sovereignty, sovereign rights, and maritime areas as delineated in the 1979 Malaysia Map.
The ministry reiterated that this approach aligns with principles of international law, including the United Nations Convention on Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982. It also highlighted the shared commitment between Malaysia and China to resolve any issues peacefully through established diplomatic channels and consultations, without resorting to disputes or violence.
Wisma Putra stressed Malaysia’s continued prioritisation of diplomatic engagement with all countries, including China, as part of ongoing efforts to maintain the South China Sea as a zone of peace, stability, and trade. This approach, the ministry noted, is in line with the provisions of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), which emphasises peaceful dispute resolution and the avoidance of threats or use of force.
The statement also touched upon Malaysia’s role as co-chair, alongside China, for a three-year period of the ASEAN and China meetings. These meetings focus on implementing the DOC and negotiating the finalisation of a substantive and effective Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC), in accordance with UNCLOS 1982.
This diplomatic leak comes amidst heightened tensions in the region. The Philippine Daily Inquirer recently reported that Beijing had demanded Putrajaya to cease all activities related to oil and gas exploration within Malaysia’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ). China claims these areas fall within its controversial nine-dash line, recently expanded to a ten-dash line, which is not recognised under international law.
