Israel ship ban won’t affect ties with other countries, says Tok Mat
Published on: Friday, December 22, 2023
By: Bernama
.jpg "Israel ship ban won’t affect ties with other countries, says Tok Mat")
Foreign minister Mohamad Hasan meeting high-ranking officers at a welcoming ceremony at Wisma Putra today. (Bernama pic)
PUTRAJAYA: The government’s decision to bar ships flying the Israeli flag from entering the country would not affect relations with other countries, says foreign minister Mohamad Hasan.
Mohamad said the decision clearly shows Malaysia’s firm stance on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.
ADVERTISEMENT
“We are not saying that we do not value our relations with other countries but (the ban is) due to the determination of Malaysia’s position regarding the situation in Gaza and in the Middle East at this point,” he said at Wisma Putra here.
On Wednesday, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced that the government had decided to no longer accept ships flying the Israeli flag into the country with immediate effect, in addition to prohibiting any ship en route to Israel from loading cargo at Malaysian ports.
Anwar, who is also the finance minister, said the government also decided to block and disallow the Israeli-based shipping company ZIM from docking at any port in the country.
Mohamad said that as the foreign minister, he will ensure Malaysia continues to firmly play its role in fighting for the Palestinian cause at the international level.
ADVERTISEMENT
“Malaysia’s position has already been stated very firmly and that is the permanent position that will continue to be adopted by Malaysia.
“So, there is no question that my coming to Wisma Putra will change the country’s position.”
ADVERTISEMENT
The minister said a difficult task awaits all Wisma Putra staff to maintain the equilibrium that has already been built between Malaysia and the international community.
“We are trying to find the best way to maintain the principle of Malaysia continuing to be a neutral country, a friendly country, a country that wants peace, and a country that wants to see relations between countries become closer,” he said.
Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
Daily Express Malaysia
