MALAYSIA has no control over the trade practices of international multinational companies (MNCs), some of which may involve Israel, says Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan (pic).
He said the approval of import licences for goods originating from Israel and the export of goods to Israel is subject to the Customs (Prohibition of Imports) Order 2012 and the Customs (Prohibition of Exports) Order 2012.
“However, there are MNCs that invest and operate worldwide, including in Malaysia, as part of a global supply chain network, with proper authorisation.
“Many countries, including Israel, are part of this network. The trade practices of these MNCs are beyond the control of the government,” he said in a written reply to Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee (PN-Beluran), who had asked about follow-up measures after the Prime Minister’s call at the Arab-Islamic Summit in Doha for punitive action against Israel.
Following Israel’s attacks on Gaza back in 2014, Mohamad said the government decided then that Malaysia would suspend the issuance of import and export licences to Israel for all local companies, except for multinational corporations. He said Malaysia’s foreign policy was clear and that the country has no diplomatic relations with Israel.
“This policy remains consistent, and the government will not establish any economic ties with Israel.”
Mohamad said the government will continue to monitor the trade situation to ensure alignment with its stance on the Palestinian issue and developments in the Palestinian-Israeli peace negotiations.
Malaysia, he said, continued to believe in collective efforts with the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, the Arab League and other international organisations to ensure that Israel’s unlawful actions are dealt with firm and effective responses.
