Malaysia has criticised Australia's plan to establish an 1,000-nautical-mile maritime security zone and warned Australia against military threatening actions through the new controversial plan.
Malaysias Deputy Defence Minister Zainal Abidin Zin said that Australia's new plan does not respect neighbours sovereignty and that Australia does not have the right to prevent ships on international seas because of security reasons.
Zainal also called Australian Prime Minister John Howard's statement on the plan an inconsiderate action although Malaysias waters are not affected by the plan, warning that it would result in misunderstanding among neighbouring countries.
On Dec. 16, PM Howard announced the plan stipulating that all ships travelling to Australia will be required to provide details of their journey and cargo if they enter the 1,000 nautical mile (1,800 kilometre) zone. |
