JOHOR BAHRU (Bernama): The government's move to get in touch with China on the formation of the new Aukus trilateral security pact comprising the United States, United Kingdom and Australia is merely to get the country’s stand on the issue, says Senior Minister (Security) Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein.

       Refuting allegations from the Opposition that Malaysia was ‘receiving instructions’ from China, the Defence Minister said it was not wrong for Malaysia to find out China’s views and its possible response to the matter.

       "The statement ( the Opposition's claim) is baseless because what I have informed the Dewan Rakyat is far from getting any instructions from China," he told reporters at the Ulu Tiram Camp here on Sunday (Sept 26).

       Hishammuddin was asked to comment on a recent statement from the Opposition that Malaysia should remain neutral and not lean towards any world superpower, especially over the Aukus issue.

       The Sembrong MP explained that having good ties with China did not mean that Malaysia would compromise its sovereignty and stance.

       "The strength Malaysia has (is) that we are close to these two superpowers (US and China) and our relationship is (based on) mutual respect between the US and China, and they respect our stand," he said. - Bernama