ISTANBUL

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim reaffirmed his country’s commitment to oil and gas exploration in the South China Sea, despite objections from Beijing, local media reported Tuesday.

Speaking before Parliament, Anwar stated that Malaysia’s state energy firm Petronas would continue its operations within Malaysia’s exclusive economic zone, including the Kasawari gas field off Sarawak in East Malaysia.

“We will continue, but we will not close the door on discussions with any country,” Anwar said, according to Free Malaysia Today.

Anwar emphasized that Malaysia’s disputes in the region are not limited to China and that these territorial disagreements do not impact diplomatic or trade relationships with neighboring countries. His comments follow a reported diplomatic note from Beijing last month allegedly demanding that Malaysia immediately halt its activities in an oil-rich area claimed by China.

In response to the Chinese objection, Anwar previously asserted that Malaysia’s exploration activities are within its territory and are not intended as a provocation.

“China is our friend, but we have to operate in our waters to secure our advantage, including drilling in our territory,” he said at the time.