HONG KONG - Malaysia, assuming rotating chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2015, is to play a positive role on the South China Sea issue, a Malaysian observer said in Hong Kong on Saturday.

Goh Hin San, president of Malaysia Han Culture Center, made the remarks when delivering a speech at the ASEAN Development Forum 2014, which was held at Hong Kong's Island Shangri-La hotel.

Goh, who is also the Chinese Content Adviser of Malaysia's Media Prima Group, said "The Malaysian people believe that China has the wisdom to handle the South China Sea issue".

The expert, donning Datuk, a title for Malaysia's Chinese community leaders, told the forum that the South China Sea issue is a historic yet developing topic which must be solved through dialogue.

"Petty action and provocation will do no good to any concerned party, " said the Datuk.

The Malaysian expert voiced his support for China's initiative to solve the South China Sea issue peacefully with directly concerned nations through candid discussions and talks.

He called on China and ASEAN countries to join hands in maintaining the peace and stability of the South China Sea.