HOME Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail will have a meeting with a senior US official over the flow of funds through the Malaysian financial system to Iran and its proxies including Hamas tomorrow (May 9).
Saifuddin stated that he would clarify Malaysia’s position to the US Treasury undersecretary for terrorism and financial intelligence Brian Nelson.
He also said that he would clarify Malaysia’s viewpoint to Nelson.
“I will be meeting Brian Nelson tomorrow morning, firstly to listen to anything that he has to say and at the end of it to provide an explanation on the government’s stance,” the Home Minister told reporters after the contract signing ceremony at the Defence Services Asia (DSA) and National Security (Natsec) Asia 2024 exhibitions.
Following a Reuters report, Nelson is expected to arrive in Malaysia this week as part of Washington’s efforts to counteract funding for Iran and its proxy groups, as well as to prevent evasion of sanctions on Russia.
Last December, the US Treasury sanctioned four Malaysia-based companies, alleging they were fronts supporting Iran’s drone production.
Moreover, Washington has applied additional sanctions aimed at Iran, specifically targeting Iranian drones utilised by Russia in the Ukraine conflict. This action comes as the US aims to intensify pressure on Tehran following its assault on Israel. – May 8, 2024
