KL nixes Spratlys for ASEAN agenda

Thu, 15 Jul 1999 | Source: AP

KUALA LUMPUR (AP): Malaysia does not want the Spratly Islands dispute raised at this month's meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian (ASEAN), foreign minister Syed Hamid Albar said on Wednesday.

Malaysia's action drew protests from the Philippines, also a member of ASEAN and one of the six claimants to the Spratlys. China and Taiwanalso protested.

Manila says Malaysia encroached on disputed territory by constructing a 20 meter by 50 meter concrete platform on Investigator Shoal with a helipad and a two-story building housing radar facilities.

Kuala Lumpur denies the accusation, saying it built on Malaysian territory within its exclusive economic zone.

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