THE government’s decision to disallow ships flying the Israeli flag from entering the country would not affect Malaysia’s relations with other nations, Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan said. 

He said the decision clearly shows the country’s firm stance on the Israel-Gaza war.

“We are not saying that we do not value our relations with other countries but (the ban is) due to Malaysia’s position regarding the situation in Gaza and in the Middle East at this point,” he said.

He told the media after scanning the time recorder card in the lobby of Wisma Putra yesterday, as a symbol of officially starting his duties at the ministry.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Wednesday announced that the government had decided not to accept ships bearing the flag of Israel into the country with immediate effect, in addition to prohibiting any ship en route to Israel from loading cargo at Malaysian ports.

Anwar, who is also finance minister, said the government also decided to block and disallow vessels registered under the Israel-based shipping company, ZIM, from docking at any port in the country with immediate effect.

Meanwhile, Mohamad said that as foreign minister, he will ensure that Malaysia continues to play its role in fighting for the Palestinian cause at the international level.

“Malaysia’s stance has already been stated very firmly and that is the permanent position Malaysia will continue to adopt, so there is no question that my coming to Wisma Putra will change it,” he said.

Mohamad, who was defence minister, replaced Zambry Abdul Kadir as foreign minister following a cabinet reshuffle on December 12. – Bernama, December 23, 2023.