Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said Singapore’s refusal to negotiate with Iran over access to the Strait of Hormuz was within its rights, after the republic drew criticism, including from Malaysian politicians.
“It is their view and their business. Ours is to maintain good relations,” he told reporters after Friday prayers at Kampung Cheras Baru in Pandan here.
On Tuesday, Singapore’s foreign minister, Vivian Balakrishnan, said they would not engage in negotiations with Iran for safe passage of ships or a toll rate on the Strait of Hormuz, in line with its principle of not taking sides.
Balakrishnan said Singapore was of the view that passage through the strait is a right for all nations, enshrined in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and not a privilege to be granted by its bordering states.
