KUALA LUMPUR – The war in Ukraine has not reached a point at which Malaysia will consider sanctions against Russia, the Dewan Rakyat was told today.
Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Abdullah said even if such measures were to be taken by our country, this would only be done only in concordance with the United Nations (UN).
Addressing the lower House, Saifuddin said that as a member of the UN Human Rights Council, Malaysia has presently taken the stance to request a ceasefire between both Russia and Ukraine, and continue pushing for peaceful negotiations.
He said sanctions will be implemented only if necessary. “But we have not yet arrived at that level yet. The fact is that even if we want to place sanctions, it must be through the UN,” he said.
“We have to be careful about imposing sanctions. There are times when sanctions are imposed, if they are not targeted, innocent civilians will bear the brunt.
“So we must be cautious when we talk about sanctions, although this can be a powerful weapon to use.”
Saifuddin was responding to Wong Chen (Subang-PH) who had asked at what point will Malaysia consider taking such measures and move beyond just being a mediator, seeing that the conflict is getting out of hand, with more civilian lives being targeted.
According to the minister, Malaysia continues to share a cordial relationship with both Russia and Ukraine and will continue to support a peaceful solution.
“There are a number of our allied countries that are actively involved in peaceful negotiations, and we have already expressed our support to them,” he said.
To questions raised by M. Kulasegaran (Ipoh Barat-PH) on updates about Malaysians in Ukraine, Saifuddin said that to Wisma Putra’s knowledge, there are only about four citizens registered with the embassy left there in the war-torn country.
He said Malaysia’s embassies in countries neighbouring Ukraine are in constant contact with the individuals, and remain ready to assist if they intend to leave Ukraine.
“This includes facilitating their entry into the neighbouring countries, issues of documentation and ensuring that their welfare is protected,” he said.
Commenting on a recent 45-second clip uploaded on social media featuring a group claiming to be Malaysian students trapped in Ukraine, Saifuddin said the Foreign Ministry has yet to verify the authenticity of the video and whether the individuals are Malaysians.
He said that if it is verified that they are Malaysian citizens, efforts will be taken to ensure their safe evacuation. – The Vibes, March 8, 2022
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