Kuala lumpur: Malaysia has requested the United States to reconsider its decision to block the Strait of Hormuz, citing potential disruptions to energy supplies and global economic stability. Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan expressed concerns that the blockade could impede the movement of merchant ships and cargo, adversely affecting global energy supplies and other critical materials such as urea fertilizer.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Mohamad questioned the rationale behind the United States’ actions, especially since the US had previously advocated for international cooperation to keep the strategic route open. He highlighted that Iran had earlier agreed to keep the strait open, contingent on the US agreeing to ten negotiation points proposed during discussions in Islamabad.
Mohamad emphasized the severe repercussions of blocking the strait, warning that it could exacerbate global energy supply issues and impact agriculture and the economy. He urged the US to reconsider its decision and called for renewed negotiations to ensure uninterrupted trade routes. “America needs to open any form of blockade so that trade routes can pass through there,” he stated.
Speaking at the Southern Zone Level Bumiputera Entrepreneur Equity Convention at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Rembau Campus, Mohamad, who also serves as the Member of Parliament for Rembau and assemblyman for Rantau, called on all involved parties, including Iran, to maintain open trade routes for the benefit of the international community.
Mohamad warned against holding the world hostage to conflicts and wars, asserting that any war involving the US, Iran, or Israel should not impact global trade. “The world cannot be held as a ransom, for whatever purpose, and America cannot do that because the world will face big problems,” he said.
President Donald Trump announced on Sunday that the US Navy would commence a blockade in the Strait of Hormuz and intercept ships in international waters that have paid tolls to Iran. This decision followed the collapse of US-Iran peace talks, which ended without agreement.
Additionally, Mohamad disclosed that he had instructed Malaysia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations to engage with countries contributing to the peacekeeping force in Lebanon. He suggested considering a reduction of the mandate, citing the current state of conflict in Lebanon that diminishes the relevance of the peacekeeping mission.