Malaysia slams US proposal, opposes unilateral sanctions on Palestinian groups

In response to a proposed U.S. law to impose sanctions against foreign supporters of Hamas and other militant groups operating in Palestine, Malaysia declared on Tuesday that it would not recognise unilateral sanctions.

The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Hamas International Financing Prevention Act last week; the Senate is still to vote on it. The act aims to stop foreign funding to the groups.

Anwar Ibrahim, the prime minister of Malaysia, stated that his government was closely monitoring the bill’s passage and that Malaysia would only be impacted if it was shown to be giving material support to Hamas or the Palestinian Islamic Jihad.

“Any sanctions against Malaysia can also affect the assessment of the U.S. government and U.S. companies towards Malaysia, as well as affect U.S companies’ investment opportunities in Malaysia,” Anwar said in a written reply to parliament on Tuesday.

Muslim-dominated Malaysia has long been an outspoken backer of the Palestinian cause and a proponent of a two-state resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Its diplomatic ties to Israel are nonexistent.

Leading Hamas figures have previously visited Malaysia frequently and held meetings with its premiers.

Anwar earlier stated that the United States had expressed concerns to Malaysia about Malaysia’s position on Palestine and that he rejected Western pressure to denounce Hamas.

(With agency inputs)