No unilateral sanctions on Russia, says foreign minister

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has no plans to impose sanctions on Russia for its invasion of Ukraine, says foreign minister Saifuddin Abdullah.

While there has been global pressure to squeeze Moscow-linked businesses over the invasion of Ukraine on Feb 24, Saifuddin said Malaysia would only do so as part of a joint effort by the United Nations.

“We don’t believe in unilateral sanctions,” he told the Dewan Rakyat today.

“Sanctions have to go through the United Nations. As a member of the UN Human Rights Council, we have asked for a ceasefire and for (peace) negotiations to continue.”

Noting that sanctions are one of the tools Malaysia has at its disposal, Saifuddin was quick to stress that “innocent people will be the ones who suffer” unless sanctions are meted out in a careful and targeted manner.

“If needed, sanctions can be implemented, but we are not at that level yet. If they need to be done, they should be done through the UN.”

Saifuddin (PN-Indera Mahkota) was replying to Wong Chen (PH-Subang) on whether Malaysia would sanction Russia in light of the worsening conflict in Ukraine.

Last week, the transport ministry announced that a Russian-flagged oil tanker targeted by US sanctions would not be allowed to call at the Kuala Linggi port in Melaka.

According to a Reuters report, the Linda, which was identified in a US Treasury document detailing sanctions against Russian entities, was scheduled to arrive at the port last weekend. — Free Malaysia Today