Malaysia raises concerns over US-backed Philippine military base

KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim pledged to bolster Malaysia’s defences, citing concerns over a US-backed Philippine military outpost just kilometres from Malaysia’s eastern state of Sabah. Anwar singled out Balabac island in southern Palawan, where the Philippines has been upgrading strategic facilities and building a 3km airstrip. The island is one of nine Philippine sites covered by the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), which gives American forces access to designated locations and allows Washington to fund infrastructure. “As a neighbouring country closely affected by claims over Sabah, we are somewhat concerned with the tension, even though our…