Letters - South China Sea after the PCA verdict

AS expected by most the ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) at The Hague on July 12 was in favour of the Philippines. Also, not surprisingly, there is a great deal of rhetoric, warnings and threats issued by China. Philippines may have won a moral victory with the PCA's decision but how is it going to be implemented?
At the same time the threats, innuendos and challenges by China unnecessarily heighten tensions. Instead, I feel that the status quo in the area by all parties involved should be maintained temporarily, allowing time for all claimant states to reflect on the PCA's verdict whilst trying to find ways and means to negotiate and resolve the disputes based on diplomacy and international law, including United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Cool heads and rational thinking must prevail. If there is a will, there is a way.
Malaysia is different to all the other claimant states in that part of our country (Sabah and Sarawak) is across the South China Sea. Hence all our passage by air and sea, to and fro, will be across the South China Sea.
Naturally, for economic reasons the shortest route is a straight line even if it means traversing other nation's EEZ (Exclusive Economic Zone,) which is permissible under UNCLOS.
Malaysia's claim of territorial waters and EEZ off Sabah and Sarawak is within our rights and legal in accordance with UNCLOS. The surface water as seen in a map within the EEZ is classified as international waters.
The same rule applies to the air space above the EEZ. Asean member states which have no claim in the South China Sea will take different positions according to their own political, economic and trade considerations.
My vibe tells me that this is the best time to work on a Code of Conduct, which is long overdue since the signing of the "Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea" (DOC) between all Asean members and China in November 2002.
Once this is achieved it will set the tone for a concerted effort to negotiate a settlement of the disputes, which can then lead to permanent peace and stability in the region.
I fear that if the situation in the region is not handled well by all concerned, the ramifications could be disastrous.
Rear Admiral Tan Sri K. Thanabalasingam, Rtd
First Malaysian Chief of Navy