He said this in response to a question by Raja Kamarul Bahrin (Amanah – Kuala Terengganu) as to why Malaysia did not conduct any large-scale military exercises with its Asean allies to tackle the territorial claims issue.

“The multiple territorial dispute cannot be resolved militarily. Only negotiations and solidarity with other parties in the dispute can resolve it,” Najib told the House today.

Earlier, Raime Unggi (BN – Tenom) had asked the prime minister to state the level of security in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (Esszone) since the Sulu armed intrusion in Lahad Datu three years ago.

According to Najib, the security level in the region has been raised and the government has strengthened security posts with additional troops.

“Unmanned aerial vehicles, planes and radar monitoring have been put up at high-risk areas. We have established a sea-based platform. A permanent mothership has been provided courtesy of Petronas.

“Two military bases for the military and police field force are being upgraded,” he added.