KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian lawmakers have urged the country to toughen its stance against China following reports of the continued presence of Chinese Coast Guard vessels in the disputed waters of the South China Sea.

Located off the coast of the eastern state of Sabah, the Luconia shoals are known as Gugusan Beting Patinggi Ali to Malaysia while China refers it as the Ansha islands.

The presence of Chinese Coast Guard vessels in the vicinity during the past week has triggered concern. Some lawmakers urged the government to lodge a serious protest against Beijing.

“It’s obvious they are bullying us,” said Kota Kinabalu Member of Parliament Hiew Keng Cheu. “Even though we are small, we have to stand upright. We cannot just surrender and bow down just because of economic ties. I mean dignity is more important, isn’t it?”