The US Treasury Department undersecretary for terrorism and financial intelligence Brian Nelson and his delegation had touched on the alleged involvement of Malaysian-based organisations, individuals and companies in terrorism financing activities, said Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
"What they presented to us is based on the one-sided information they have, which requires some verification process at our level,” he added, according to Bernama.
Saifuddin also emphasised that Malaysia only recognises sanctions put forward by the United Nations Security Council (UN) and not those by individual countries.
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.
Describing the meeting as cordial, the minister said he reiterated Malaysia’s commitment to combating the financing of terrorism.
“We mentioned (the country's position) from the point of view of our regional commitment at the Asean level or the global level or even in policy at the Home Ministry level," he added.
According to Saifuddin, the US representative was also informed that Malaysia has a clear strategic plan to deal with illegal financing activities and money laundering.
"The policies and strategies outlined by us (Home Ministry) are in line with global regulations either at Basel II or Basel III level (Independent statistics of the risk index of money laundering and terrorist financing). They (US) are clear about that and they appreciate our efforts," he added.
Open to working with US
In the meantime, Saifuddin said Malaysia is open to working with the US to combat the issue of terrorist financing, and the matter should be comprehensive and not be a unilateral effort.
"At the same time, Malaysia is a country that upholds the principle of the rule of law, which is to practice the principle of the supremacy of the law and we have clear rules and legislation to manage matters related to the matters (issues) that they (the US) have raised," he added.
Previously, Reuters 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.
Meanwhile, The Star quoted Saifuddin as stating at a different event that the US delegation raised specific examples for Malaysia to look into.
"I responded to some of the issues raised which involved certain organisations.
"I stated that the organisation is being subjected to an ongoing investigation, their assets frozen and they were charged as well," he added. - Mkini
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