Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia does not acknowledge sanctions imposed by individual countries, home minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said today.
He said this after a meeting with the US Treasury department’s top sanctions official Brian Nelson, which Reuters reported would revolve around the risk of sanctions following an uptick in money moving to Iran and its proxies through Malaysia.
Saifuddin said he had reiterated Malaysia’s stand on international sanctions at the meeting with Nelson and his delegation earlier today.
“I emphasised that we will only recognise sanctions if they are imposed by the United Nations Security Council. The delegation from the US respected our stance,” he told reporters after an event here.
SPONSORED CONTENT Electrifying windows of opportunity in Sabah - The right policies, collaborations, and strategies can turn emerging opportunities into victories for all parties in Sabah. CHIEF Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor’s 2021 Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya Plan and the Sabah Economic Development and Investment Authority (SEDIA) have laid out a road map to an exciting future for all Sabahans, with a target of increasing Sabah’s income levels and GDP per capita from about RM 23,000 to about RM 40,000 by 2030. Read more Saifuddin also said the meeting with Nelson and his delegation had been productive as he was able to share the country’s official stance from a security perspective.
The minister said he had stated Malaysia’s commitment to combating terrorism financing, with a clear strategic plan in place to tackle illicit funding and money laundering.
“The policies and strategies we outlined comply with international standards,” he said, adding that Malaysia was always open to engaging with the US.
However, he said several concerns raised by the officials involving certain individuals and companies in Malaysia needed further verification by his ministry.
Yesterday, Saifuddin said he would explain Malaysia’s official stance on issues related to funding for Iran and its proxies.
Reuters had reported that the US had concerns about an increase in funds being channeled through the Malaysian financial system to Iran and its proxies, including Hamas, which Malaysia has maintained close relations with.
The US has branded Hamas as a terrorist organisation.
* Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss.
* Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
