According to Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Malaysia only recognises sanctions implemented by the UN Security Council and not by the US independently, which had introduced a bill to punish foreign nations that supported the Palestinian organisation Hamas.
According to the prime minister, Malaysia rejects of the US decision to impose sanctions on nations that give Hamas financial and military support.
“Putrajaya does not acknowledge the sanctions that have been unilaterally introduced by any country, including the United States. Only the UN Security Council is recognised by us.
Anwar stated during Prime Minister’s Question Time in Parliament yesterday, “We disagree with the United States and, secondly, it will not affect our policies and decision.”
He said he had spoken to leaders of several countries, including Islamic countries, and they all shared the same stance of not recognising the US Bill.
“We will maintain relations with Hamas and will not punish the group as terrorists,” said Anwar.
He said although Malaysia was not a signatory to the Rome Statute, it would support any countries that want to refer Israel to the International Court of Justice.
“We have to support the Palestinian cause so that Malaysians and the world know that Malaysia unanimously backs Palestine,” added Anwar.
The United States is Malaysia’s third-largest trading partner, after China and Singapore. US foreign direct investment in Malaysia was US$13.2bil in 2022.
On Nov 1, the US House of Representatives passed a Bill to sanction foreign supporters of Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad movement.
Titled the Hamas International Financing Prevention Act, it was passed after 363 congressmen voted in favour of the Bill, while 46 members were against it.
The Bill will allow the United States to sanction foreign supporters of Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad.
The US president will have to submit a list of foreign nationals who knowingly assist or support a high-ranking member of Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad on a regular basis to the Congress.Additionally, the US president will have to provide the Congress with a list of all foreign governments that have consistently given the two groups in Palestine material support.
Governments will not be allowed to receive US aid or be allowed to export restricted weapons for a year if it is discovered that they are endorsing the two Palestinian groups.
Additionally, foreign financial institutions will be told to cease aiding these governments for a year.
