(VOVworld) – Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak insisted that the rule of law must reign supreme in handling tensions in the East Sea.

Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak. (Photo: Reuters)

In his opening speech at the start of the 28th Asia-Pacific Roundtable in Kuala Lumpur on Monday, Najib said the parties involved must hold firm to the principles of the non-use of force and the peaceful settlement of disputes. He added that there should not be any action taken to further aggravate the situation or increase tensions. Najib called on the parties involved not to stray from the proven path of dialogue and the peaceful resolution of conflicts, adding that he remained hopeful that good sense would prevail. Najib expressed Malaysia’s strong commitment towards the recent Joint Declaration of the Asean Defence Ministers on Defence Cooperation towards a Peaceful and Prosperous ASEAN Community. He described it as a significant step forward in strengthening the political and security pillars of the ASEAN Community.