11-6-2023 (KUALA LUMPUR) Muhyiddin Yassin, Chairman of Perikatan Nasional, has urged Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to clarify the reasons behind signing treaties with Indonesia that have resulted in the delimitation of territorial seas. Speaking at a rally in Negeri Sembilan on Saturday night (June 10), Muhyiddin raised concerns about potential compromises on national sovereignty and international borders resulting from the agreements signed in the past week.
The six bilateral instruments and two territorial seas treaties were signed during Indonesian President Joko Widodo’s recent visit to Malaysia. The territorial seas treaties involved the Sulawesi Sea and the southernmost part of the Straits of Melaka. Widodo expressed his appreciation for the resolution of these longstanding issues, mentioning that it took 18 years to reach an agreement.
Muhyiddin, who served as Malaysia’s former prime minister, expressed unease upon learning about the treaties. He emphasized the sensitive nature of the border matters concerning Johor and Sabah, stating that national sovereignty should not be compromised. Muhyiddin called for transparency from Anwar, requesting an explanation to address concerns regarding the agreements.
The signing of the treaties aims to establish a strong foundation for future maritime boundary negotiations between Malaysia and Indonesia. The leaders also pledged to resolve other land boundary issues by June 2024.
During the rally, Muhyiddin criticized Anwar’s unity government for its performance over the past six months, particularly concerning the economy and cost of living. He highlighted the worsening conditions since Anwar took office in November 2022, urging voters to seek change in Putrajaya during the upcoming state elections. The elections, expected to be fiercely contested, will take place in Kedah, Kelantan, Terengganu, Negeri Sembilan, Selangor, and Penang.
Observers note a growing wave of support for Perikatan Nasional (PN) and its main component party, Parti Islam Se-Malaysia (PAS), despite PN’s inability to form the government after the 2022 General Election. The rally also revealed the confirmation of former Barisan Nasional (BN) secretary-general Annuar Musa as a new PAS member, signaling potential shifts in party affiliations.
Muhyiddin dismissed claims of a “green wave” phenomenon, emphasizing that support for PN cuts across racial lines. He described the state elections as a referendum on the unity government, with the potential to impact the political landscape in Putrajaya.
The controversy surrounding the territorial seas treaties and the criticism of Anwar’s government have raised questions about the future direction of Malaysia’s political landscape.
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