KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia said on Tuesday it will not acknowledge unilateral sanctions in response to a proposed US law targeting sanctions against foreign supporters of Hamas, operating in Palestine.
The Hamas International Financing Prevention Act, aimed to disrupt international financing to the groups, was passed by the US House of Representatives last week and is awaiting voting by the Senate.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim stated that his government was closely monitoring the progress on the bill’s passage, adding that it could affect Malaysia only if it is proven to provide material support to Hamas.
“Any sanctions against Malaysia can also affect the assessment of the US government and US companies towards Malaysia, as well as affect US companies’ investment opportunities in Malaysia,” Anwar said in a written statement to parliament on Tuesday.
Malaysia, a predominantly Muslim country, has long been a vocal advocate of the Palestinian cause and has supported for a two-state solution to the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians. It does not have diplomatic relations with Israel.
Top Hamas leaders in the past have often visited Malaysia and met with its leaders.
Anwar previously resisted Western pressure to condemn Hamas and said the US had expressed concerns with Malaysia about its stance on Palestine.
