US sanctions: Saifuddin to explain Malaysia’s stance on Iran issues
Published on: Wednesday, May 08, 2024
By:
FMT, Amirul Aiman
Home minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail will be attending a presentation by the US Treasury department’s top sanctions official Brian Nelson.
PETALING JAYA: Home minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail will explain Malaysia’s official stance on issues relating to the funding for Iran and its proxies which were raised by the US Treasury department’s top sanctions official Brian Nelson.
Saifuddin said he would be meeting Nelson tomorrow morning to hear what the latter has to say.
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“I will be attending their presentation and I will provide the official government stance on the issues,” he said.
Saifuddin was speaking to reporters after attending the signing of 14 contracts between the ministry and local companies worth RM2.156 billion at the Defence Services Asia Exhibition and Conference (DSA 2024) and 3rd International Exhibition on National Security for Asia.
He was commenting on a Reuters report over US concerns about funds being moved to Iran and its proxies, including Hamas, through the Malaysian financial system.
Malaysia has maintained close relations with Hamas, which the US has branded a terrorist organisation.
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Reuters reported last week that Nelson would travel to Malaysia and Singapore this week as Washington seeks to combat funding for Iran and its proxies as well as evasion of its sanctions on Russia.
According to Reuters, Nelson is expected to discuss concerns over the uptick in money moving to Iran and its proxies, and the sanctions risk that such activity poses.
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Meanwhile, Saifuddin said his ministry had stepped up efforts to expedite the distribution of body cameras for law enforcement personnel.
This move comes after several delays in the procurement process, despite funds being available.
“I’ve requested that their delivery be expedited and not delayed to next year.”
The first batch of body cameras is now expected to arrive by June, he said.
“I will keep an eye on this to ensure that we meet our timelines and that the delivery process is on track.”
It was previously reported that starting in September this year, a total of 7,648 body cameras will be supplied to the police force in stages.
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