Chinese ships issue to be sorted out soon

KLUANG: China's ambassador to Malaysia Dr Huang Huikang today said he will meet Sarawak Chief Minister Tan Sri Adenan Satem next month over the alleged presence of Chinese coast guard ships near Sarawak waters recently.
"I will meet Adenan next month and we will sort out this matter," he said after attending the Chinese New Year celebrations in Paloh, near here.
He declined to elaborate on the matter.
The event was earlier officiated by Sembrong MP and Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein who said the issue had been played up by some irresponsible quarters.
"Such matters can easily be overcome using diplomatic channels, not only with regards to China, but all other countries as well.
"Malaysia had enjoyed strong relations with China for the past few decades and this is important for the overall growth of the region," he said.
It was earlier reported that the Sarawak government was concerned over the presence of Chinese ships outside the Gugusan Beting Patinggi Ali waters, about 84 nautical miles from the coast of Miri.
Earlier in his speech, Hishammuddin also stressed the importance of the values of moderation and transparency.
Huang Huikang also presented a cheque of RM40,000 to eight SRJK (C) schools in Sembrong parliamentary constituency.
Hishammuddin also said more preventive operations will be carried out to curb terrorism.
He said the army and police carried out special operations at Telipok, Sabah on Feb 13 where they detained one Panglima Basung, related to Sulu, while another was killed when he fell into a ravine during the operation.
The special operation involved 38 officers and 877 members from the army and police. They also arrested 520 locals and detained six suspects believed to be involved in terrorism.
No firearms were found in the Saturday night operation.