Only UN sanctions recognised

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is firm in its fight against the financing of terrorist activities, but it only recognises sanctions imposed by the United Nations and not by any individual country, says Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution.

“When it comes to the issue of sanction, we only recognise those imposed by the UN Security Council and not by any individual country,” he said.

Saifuddin said this was conveyed by him to US Treasury’s Undersecretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian Nelson during a meeting here.

“I had a very good and cordial engagement and discussion with Nelson and his delegation,” he told reporters after attending the closing of the Defence Services Asia (DSA) and National Security (Natsec) Asia 2024 yesterday.

Nelson was on a visit to the South-East Asian region from Monday until yesterday.

Saifuddin said Nelson and his team had highlighted specific examples that they would like Malaysia to look into.

“I responded to some of the issues raised, which involved certain organisations,” he said.

Saifuddin also said that the government acknowledged concerns raised by the United States on possible money laundering activities involving groups linked to Malaysia.

Overall, he said the discussion went very well and the delegation respected Malaysia’s position.

“When it comes to countering terrorism and terror financing, we have solid regional cooperation.

“The US delegation took note of that and the precise steps taken by the Malaysian government to curb terrorism and extremism,” he said.

Saifuddin said he also told the US group about the ministry’s five-year strategic plan.

“They took note of it and want such an engagement to be continuous,” he said.

Prior to the visit by the delegation, the US Treasury issued a statement to announce that the trip by Nelson and US Treasury general counsel Neil MacBride was intended to advance their work to counter terrorist financing and revenue generation by Iran and its proxies as well as to discuss the implementation of sanctions and export controls against Russia.

In Malaysia, they intended to discuss US efforts to disrupt terrorist financing, including through fundraising for fraudulent charities and illicit oil sales, while ensuring that US sanctions and other financial measures do not impede the flow of humanitarian aid to Gaza.