Mahathir stakes claim to Spratlys

Mahathir stakes claim to Spratlys

KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said on Sunday the reefs in the Spratly Islands on which Malaysia had built structures were part of its territory, dismissing Philippine claims.

Mahathir said the Peninjau and Siput reefs were within its Exclusive Economic Zone and therefore Malaysia had not encroached on another country's territory.

Earlier this week the Philippines defense department accused the Malaysians of building structures on Investigator Shoal, which the Philippines calls Pawikan Shoal.

Kuala Lumpur has rejected the allegations, insisting the sandbar is part of its territory and civilians there were researchers and scientists.