KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia only recognises sanctions from the UN Security Council, not those imposed by individual countries, said Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
He also described his meeting with the US Treasury’s top sanctions official, which was also attended by the ministry’s representatives, as a “very productive meeting”.
“The United States delegates respect our decision, where we made clear our commitment and efforts to combat financial terrorism at the Asean, global and policy levels.
“I informed the delegates that Malaysia has very clear strategic plans, which comply with international standards when it comes to tackling illicit funding and money laundering.
“The delegates said they appreciate the efforts we have made, and that they respect our position.
“We also told them that we are always open for engagements with them, and we said that it takes comprehensive effort instead of unilateral to manage this matter,” he told reporters after his meeting.
He added that Malaysia was a sovereign nation.
On May 7, Reuters reported that the US Treasury Department claimed that Iran was reliant on service providers based in Malaysia to move its oil near Singapore and throughout the region.
Yesterday, Saifuddin said he would meet the US Treasury’s top sanctions official, Brian Nelson, to convey Malaysia’s official stance on the matter. – May 9, 2024