MALAYSIAN Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s decision to cite Philippine military facilities in Balabac as a justification for strengthening Malaysia’s defenses in Sabah deserves a firm Filipino response.
Balabac is Philippine territory. How the Philippines develops its military facilities and implements its defense agreements are sovereign decisions that do not require Malaysia’s permission.
Anwar’s remarks effectively portray the Philippines as a potential threat. Yet Manila has not threatened Malaysia, announced operations against Malaysian territory or used Balabac as a platform for hostility. If Kuala Lumpur wants to strengthen its defenses in Sabah, it is free to do so — but it should not use the Philippines as an excuse.
Anwar should explain what danger he believes the Philippines poses. Does Malaysia have evidence that the development of Balabac is directed against Sabah? If not, his statement amounts to political theater at the expense of an Asean neighbor country.
His emphasis on “US-backed” facilities is equally misleading. The Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement is an arrangement entered into by the Philippines as a sovereign state. It does not transfer ownership of Philippine territory to the United States.
Filipinos may debate EDCA’s benefits and risks, but that discussion belongs within our democratic and constitutional processes. Malaysia has no authority to dictate where the Philippines may improve its facilities or which security partnerships it may pursue.
Kuala Lumpur also maintains its own military partnerships and hosts foreign defense activities. It cannot describe these as responsible security measures while presenting Philippine partnerships as alarming. That is a double standard.
Anwar’s rhetoric is particularly troubling because of the unresolved Philippine claim to Sabah. For decades, Manila and Kuala Lumpur have prevented this sensitive issue from overwhelming bilateral relations. By linking Balabac to the defense of Sabah, Anwar has unnecessarily placed the dispute within a military frame.
If Malaysia wants restraint from the Philippines on the Sabah issue, its prime minister should show equal restraint. He cannot expect Filipinos to remain silent about their historical claim while portraying Philippine activities on Philippine soil as a possible danger to Malaysia.
Anwar also described regional concerns about aggression as a “Western phobia,” as though Southeast Asians were incapable of identifying threats independently. That attitude is patronizing to Filipinos.
Our security concerns arise from our geography, history and national interests — not from instructions issued by Western capitals. Malaysia cannot celebrate its own strategic independence while dismissing Philippine decisions as products of foreign influence.
That is not respect for regional autonomy. It is selective sovereignty.
Asean solidarity must work both ways. Malaysia cannot demand sensitivity toward its interests while its prime minister publicly questions the Philippines’ defensive choices. Genuine concerns should be raised directly through diplomatic channels, supported by evidence — not through headlines that manufacture suspicion between neighbors.
Filipinos want peaceful and productive relations with Malaysia. But friendship does not require silence when our country is unfairly portrayed as a threat.
Balabac belongs to the Philippines. Strengthening facilities there is an exercise of Philippine sovereignty.
The Philippines is Malaysia’s neighbor — not its subordinate, not a threat to it and certainly not an excuse.
