KOTA TINGGI, Oct. 3 -- Malaysia does not view the military build-up on the southern Philippine island of Balabac as a direct threat, said Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.

The defence minister said it was the Philippines' right and prerogative to cooperate with the US military to strengthen its defence capabilities.

"For us, it is not the military buildup on Balabac Island itself that worries us, but rather its proximity to Malaysia.

"Should any dispute or conflict occur, even a minor one in geopolitical terms, the repercussions could spill over into Malaysia," he told reporters after officiating the groundbreaking ceremony for an Islamic orphanage here today.

On a separate matter, Mohamed Khaled said the government aims to achieve a ...