Malaysia to seek explanation from China over military build-up
Hishammuddin says the matter could cause concern among the public and threaten stability and security in the South China Sea if the allegations were true. - Filepic
Malaysia will seek an explanation from China over the alleged placement of the republic's military assets at seven disputed islands in the South China Sea.
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein said he would soon write to his Chinese counterpart, General Chang Wanquan regarding the matter.
"I will also write to the United States (US) Defence Secretary Ashton Carter on images revealed by a US-based non-governmental organisation, Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative (AMTI), which allegedly shows China military build-up on the islands," he said at the handing-over of duties of the 19th Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) Chief here Friday.
Hishammuddin said the matter could cause concern among the public and threaten stability and security in the South China Sea if the allegations were true.
Earlier, Gen Tan Sri Raja Mohamed Affandi Raja Mohamed Noor assumed the post of MAF Chief yesterday, following the retirement of Gen Tan Sri Dr Zulkifeli Mohd Zin.
Raja Mohamed Affandi was previously Army Chief for about three years.
Army Field Commander West Gen Datuk Seri Zulkiple Kassim has been installed as Malaysia's 26th Army Chief.
Raja Mohamed Affandi, 59, who began his service in the Armed Forces in 1976, said he would hold the trust with the utmost integrity and responsibility.
At the event, Hishammuddin also announced the appointment of Lt Gen Datuk Seri Affendi Buang as the Air Force Commander, following the retirement of Gen Tan Sri Roslan Saad. -- Bernama
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