Malaysia's Defence Minister confirmed that two US Navy warships that docked in the state of Penang last weekend did so for resupply according to international regulations and with proper authorization. Meanwhile, the opposition has called on the government to clarify, fearing the move might affect Malaysia's image of neutrality in the Middle East conflict.
Malaysian Defence Minister Khaled Nordin issued a statement clarifying that the docking of two US warships at a port in Penang complied fully with Malaysia's established procedures.
This incident drew attention after images circulated of two coastal combat ships, the USS Tulsa and USS Santa Barbara, docked at the Butterworth North container terminal in Penang on Sunday (15 Mar). The images were widely shared across Malaysian social media.
A spokesperson for the US 5th Fleet told the Financial Times that the two ships, equipped for mine countermeasure missions and recently completing duties in the Middle East, made a temporary stop in Malaysia solely for "resupply."
Khaled Nordin further explained, "Resupplying and handling logistics is routine for warships worldwide. Foreign vessels must submit requests through their home countries to the Malaysian Navy, which forwards them to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for approval. In this case, all procedures were properly followed."
However, this move has raised concerns among the opposition coalition Perikatan Nasional (PN). PN secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan called on the government to provide detailed explanations, fearing that the presence of US military equipment could contradict Malaysia's neutral stance on the Middle East conflict and damage the country's international image.
Takiyuddin questioned whether these warships were en route to or returning from the tense operational area near the "Strait of Hormuz," and how this aligns with Malaysia's non-aligned policy. He emphasized that the nation's credibility depends on consistency between its stated principles and actual practices.
Penang Port Commission chairman Yeoh Soon Hin stated that the two ships arrived on Saturday and departed Monday. He added that Malaysian ports regularly welcome foreign warships due to their strategic location along the Malacca Strait. Previously, vessels from South Korea, Russia, and US aircraft carriers such as USS Nimitz and USS Abraham Lincoln have also docked there.
Currently, under Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Malaysia maintains its non-aligned policy and affirms it will not get involved in Middle Eastern wars, despite escalating tensions between the US and Iran.
/sourceCNA