KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian government does not recognise the unilateral sanctions or actions taken by any countries, including the United States for the decision to pass a bill regarding restrictions on foreign entities that support Hamas and the Islamic Jihad Movement in Palestine.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the government remained firm in its stance of supporting Hamas and does not consider the group as a terrorist group.
"We do not recognise any unilateral sanction passed by the US or any other country... we only recognise the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) which is considered multilateral.
"We also do not agree with the US (on its decision to pass a bill regarding restrictions on foreign entities that support Hamas) and it (the passing of the bill) will not influence our stance or policy," Anwar said, adding that he had also called several leaders from Islamic countries and they had declared the same stance as Malaysia.
Anwar said this in response to Machang member of parliament Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal on the government's stance towards the passing of a bill by the US House of Representatives to restrict foreign entities that support Hamas and the Islamic Jihad Movement in Palestine.
The prime minister added that the decision to approve the bill by the US Congress has demonstrated the Western ongoing efforts to pressure and intimidate foreign governments or entities that assist Hamas and Palestinians.
Anwar also said that Hamas was never classified as a terrorist entity or organisation by the UNSC, despite calls from the Western countries to do so.
Following this, he added that Malaysia would only need to ratify the implementation of the sanctions list as part of anti-terrorism law enforcement if any group is classified as terrorists by the UNSC.
"The list of sanctions, meanwhile, is overseen by the Home Ministry and at the same time, Malaysia only recognise sanctions that are classified by UNSC and not unilateral sanctions."
Anwar also said that the bill would impact Malaysia only if the US government under the administration of President Joe Biden listed Malaysia as a foreign government that provides financial or relevant material support to Hamas or the Islamic Jihad Movement in Palestine.
"While Malaysia maintains a strong stance in supporting Palestine, any sanction against us could also influence the views of the US government towards us and can potentially affect opportunities for US investments into Malaysia.
"The likelihood of the bill being approved is also high, given that many of its members are pro-Israel.
"Hence, Malaysia will closely examine and monitor the progress of the bill. We will also continue to urge the US to demonstrate effective leadership for international security and to be resolute in respecting international laws and relevant conventions, especially for humanitarian justice."
Last week, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir said the government is currently monitoring the decision to the passing of the bill.
Zambry added that the ministry will also thoroughly examine the content of the bill before taking any further actions.
The proposed bill, named Hamas International Financing Act, meanwhile, was passed in the US House of Representatives on Nov 1 with 363 votes in favour and 46 votes against.