Overview

• Malaysian Prime Minister, Anwar Ibrahim reaffirmed the nation's support for Palestine and will continue its relationship with Hamas, irrespective of U.S. pressure, asserting that the Palestinian's right to defend themselves is legitimate.
• In response to the U.S. House of Representative's Hamas International Financing Prevention Act which imposes sanctions on entities aiding Hamas or the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, Malaysia stated it would not recognize these unilateral sanctions.
• Malaysia, whose largest trade partner is the U.S. with bilateral commerce totaling approximately $77 billion, could face potential trade issues due to this political stance.
• Anwar asserts that Malaysia, as members of the United Nations, will only recognize decisions made by the UN Security Council and will not accept unilateral sanctions or threats.
• Malaysia, having no diplomatic relations with Israel but longstanding support for Palestine, will endorse efforts by any country, including Palestine, to bring a case against Israel to the International Criminal Court.