Ministry To Submit Proposal On Future Development On Middle Rocks - Bernama

PUTRAJAYA, June 3 (Bernama) -- The Foreign Ministry is expected to table a proposal on future developments on Middle Rocks which include the possibility of joining the two rocks or setting up a scientific research centre, its minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim said.

"We are presenting a report to the Cabinet Wednesday on the continuity of activities in respect of the judgement by the International Court of Justice (ICJ), based at The Hague, (Netherlands)," he told reporters after a cheque presentation of Malaysia's contribution to China for the victims of snowstorm here Tuesday.

He said a committee of experts had been instructed to compile data and information on the Middle Rocks, and he would compile the report for the information of the Cabinet Wednesday.

Rais said he was in communication with the Foreign Minister of Singapore recently, and "we thought it would be a good idea for both countries not to politicise the question of Middle Rocks and Batu Putih to the extent that some people have been overly concerned and hugely misunderstood by the decision."

He said that a weather observation station could possibly be erected on Middle Rocks plus other facilities to assist fishermen to carry out their traditional fishing.

"But all these will be brought before the joint committee with Singapore and we have requested for a date to be fixed so that both parties could discuss amicably and chart what needs to be done.

"We will continue to develop or to suggest matters pertaining to the future of Middle Rocks while Singapore may also suggest or put forward their views for the future of Batu Putih," he said.

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