by HIDAYATH HISHAM / pic BERNAMA

MALAYSIA will not recognise the United States (US) unilateral decision to impose sanctions against foreign entities that support Palestinian militant group Hamas and the Islamic Jihad Movement in Palestine, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (picture) today.

He said the US decision is unlikely to change Malaysia’s stand towards Palestine and the conflict.

“Any sanctions against Malaysia can also affect the assessment of the US government and U.S. companies towards Malaysia, as well as affect US companies’ investment opportunities in Malaysia,” he told Parliament during the Prime Minister Question Time today.

Anwar was responding to a question on the Hamas International Financing Prevention Act passed by the US House of Representatives last week to restrict financial channels to Hamas supporters.

He said Malaysia only recognises United Nations sanctions, not unilateral sanctions imposed independently by countries like the US.

The prime minister stated Malaysia will continue championing the Palestinian cause at international platforms like ASEAN, the OIC and UN.

Anwar asserted Malaysia has the right to voice its views on matters of universal human rights as a sovereign nation, and will not bow to any threats or pressure in standing up for Palestinians.

He vowed that the US intimidation will not affect Malaysia’s unwavering solidarity with the oppressed Palestinian people and their pursuit of justice.

Previously, Anwar had stated that the US had expressed concerns to Malaysia over Malaysia’s position on Palestine and that he refused Western pressure to denounce Hamas.