Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan has reiterated Malaysia’s firm stance on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, emphasising that the government’s decision to prohibit ships flying the Israeli flag from entering the country will not adversely impact relations with other nations.
Speaking after officially commencing his duties at Wisma Putra, Mohamad Hasan highlighted that the move underscores Malaysia’s determination regarding the situation in Gaza and the Middle East.
“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 to Bernama.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had announced the immediate ban on ships flying the Israeli flag and restrictions on Israeli-based shipping company ZIM. The decision extends to preventing any ship en route to Israel from loading cargo at Malaysian ports.
Mohamad Hasan, as the new Foreign Minister, affirmed his commitment to championing the Palestinian cause at the international level. He emphasised that Malaysia’s unwavering position on the matter remains constant and will not be altered by the change in leadership at Wisma Putra.
Addressing Wisma Putra staff, he acknowledged the challenging task of maintaining equilibrium in Malaysia’s relations with the international community.
“We are trying to find the best way to maintain the principle of Malaysia to continue to be a neutral country, a friendly country, a country that wants peace, a country that wants to see relations between countries become closer and improve existing relations,” he said to Bernama.
Mohamad Hasan stressed the importance of preserving Malaysia’s identity as a neutral, friendly, and peace-seeking nation while seeking to strengthen ties with other countries.
The minister, accompanied by Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Mohamad Alamin and the Ministry’s secretary-general Datuk Amran Mohamed Zin, outlined his commitment to explaining the MADANI government’s concept and priorities to the international community.
He expressed the need to enhance Malaysia’s global standing without compromising its commitment to maintaining positive relations at the national, regional, and international levels.
