Proposal on Middle Rocks just a suggestion, says Rais - The Star

By Mazwin Nik Anis

PUTRAJAYA: The proposal to "enjoin" two rocks that form Middle Rocks will have to be approved by the Cabinet after studying a feasibility report, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim said.

He said joining the two rocks was just a suggestion for the Government to consider after it had been determined that Middle Rocks now belongs to Malaysia following a ruling by the International Court of Justice last month.

"Whether the proposal will affect the eco-system in the area will have to be determined by a feasibility study. These are among points and suggestions raised by various parties but for now, we have to register our presence there through legal means," he said.

He was speaking to reporters Tuesday after handing over RM4.3mil to Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia Cheng Yonghua in aid of the people of China who were affected by a heavy snowstorm last February.

At the function, Yayasan Budi Penyayang chief executive officer Datuk Leela Mohd Ali also presented a cheque worth RM50,000 for the Foreign Ministry to hand over to Myanmar Government to assist victims of Cyclone Nargis.

News reports recently quoted Rais as saying there was a proposal to join the two rocks, which are about 500m to 600m apart so that Middle Rocks would have "more space" for Malaysia to carry out activities.

[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/6/3/nation/20080603165000&sec=nation]