PKR lawmaker Hassan Abdul Karim, who is known for his rebellious streak, has praised Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail for putting his foot down against the United States.
The Pasir Gudang MP said he agreed with the minister for sending a firm message that Malaysia is a sovereign nation and a member of the United Nations which cannot be “bullied” by a superpower.
He was referring to Saifuddin telling US Treasury Department Undersecretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian Nelson that Malaysia only recognises sanctions imposed by the United Nations Security Council and not individual countries during their meeting.
Hassan said the US official should not be “arrogant in threatening Malaysia” with sanctions.
Describing it as a “bold stand”, the lawmaker said: “The stand conveyed by Saifuddin is patriotic and progressive, reflecting Malaysia’s free and dynamic domestic and foreign policies.”
Previously, it was reported that Nelson’s visit followed an uptick in funds flowing to Iran and its proxies, including Hamas, through the Malaysian financial system.
In December, the US Treasury Department imposed sanctions on four Malaysian-based companies, which were accused of being fronts for supporting Iran’s drone production.
Yesterday, Saifuddin said Nelson and his delegation had touched on the alleged involvement of Malaysian-based organisations, individuals, and companies in terrorism financing activities.
“What they presented to us is based on the one-sided information they have, which requires some verification process at our level,” he added.
Committed to fighting terror funding
Saifuddin, who said the meeting was cordial, also reiterated Malaysia’s commitment to combating the financing of terrorism.
He also informed the US representative that Malaysia has a clear strategic plan to deal with illegal financing activities and money laundering.
Last November, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said Malaysia would not recognise the US’ unilateral decision to impose sanctions against foreign entities that support Hamas and the Islamic Jihad Movement in Palestine.
Meanwhile, Nelson, in an interview in Kuala Lumpur, said the sanctions imposed last December on four Malaysia-based companies accused of aiding Iran’s drone production have been impactful. - Mkini
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