KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 16 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Consultative Council of Islamic Organisation (MAPIM) supports the government’s firm stance against allowing Malaysia to be used as a transit route for cargo that contributes to Israel’s military capabilities.
Its president Mohd Azmi Abdul Hamid said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s firm position on the matter yesterday was an important step in translating Malaysia’s principles on Palestine from political statements into concrete enforcement action.
“With Gaza continuing to face widespread destruction and civilian suffering, Malaysia has a moral and legal responsibility to ensure that its territory, ports and logistics facilities are not exploited to facilitate shipments that contribute to Israel’s military operations.
“MAPIM stresses that this principle must be implemented consistently, transparently and in accordance with Malaysian law,” he said in a statement today.
Yesterday, Anwar, in a statement posted on his X account, reiterated that Malaysia would not allow the country to be used as a transit route for any cargo contributing to Israel’s military operations.
Mohd Azmi said MAPIM also supported the inspection of suspicious cargo and investigations into any violations, provided these were conducted through clear legal mechanisms, supported by sufficient evidence and within the jurisdiction of the relevant agencies.
He said this was important to ensure Malaysia’s position was backed by credible and effective legal enforcement.
MAPIM also proposed that the government strengthen inspections and monitoring of cargo destined for, or linked to, entities that could contribute to Israel’s military operations, while improving coordination among port authorities, customs, security, trade and maritime enforcement agencies.
It also called for greater transparency in investigations, including appropriate explanations to the public when shipments are detained or inspected, subject to security and legal requirements.
In addition, MAPIM proposed that the government assess supply-chain risks, including the possible use of intermediary companies, transshipment, changes to manifests or destinations, and trade structures that could conceal the actual purpose of a shipment.
The government should also strengthen international cooperation, particularly with Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member states and countries with similar positions, to improve information-sharing on shipments that could contribute to military operations against civilians, MAPIM said.
-- BERNAMA