Former Malaysian prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin has slammed incumbent leader Anwar Ibrahim’s readiness to negotiate with China on state-owned energy giant Petronas’ exploration in South China Sea, saying it undermines the country’s territorial sovereignty.

“Petronas exploration activities are legally in Malaysian waters which should be defended and there is no question of negotiation and the prime minister’s statement indicates indirect recognition of China’s claim,” said Muhyiddin.

Anwar in a speech in parliament, while briefing on his China trip, had said while Petronas would continue its activities, Malaysia was open to negotiation on Beijing’s concerns.

He said Malaysia saw it as its territory and Petronas would continue its activities, but was open to negotiations with China’s claims

The Perikatan Nasional chairman said it was a careless statement from a prime minister and while China was a global power, there should be no compromise on Malaysia’s sovereignty.

“The country’s territorial sovereignty and national security should be protected at all times,” said Muhyiddin on his Facebook page on Friday.

“Anwar’s statement sounded weak, irresponsible and was tantamount to surrendering Malaysia’s dignity and sovereignty to a foreign power.”

Muhyiddin added that Anwar’s repeated statement that the Chinese claim that its military presence was in international waters further erodes the country’s territorial sovereignty.

“Asean members have yet to reach any consensus on the conflicting claims in the South China Sea and any overlapping claims must be in accordance with the group’s consensus and South China Sea Code of Conduct,” said Muhyiddin.

In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in Hague ruled that China’s “nine-dash line” (where Petronas presently operates) had no legal basis.

Others who lay claim to the area were Brunei, Taiwan, Indonesia, the Philippines and Vietnam.