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<\/div>Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said Singapore\u2019s 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.<\/p><\/div>\n
\u201cIt is their view and their business. Ours is to maintain good relations,\u201d he told reporters after Friday prayers at Kampung Cheras Baru in Pandan here.<\/p>\n
On Tuesday, Singapore\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Yesterday, PKR deputy president Nurul Izzah Anwar said Balakrishnan\u2019s remarks were both \u201crevealing and regrettable\u201d.<\/p>\n
Nurul Izzah said his remarks reflected a narrow strategic posture that prioritised alignment over regional responsibility and international law.<\/p>\n
Anwar said Malaysia has its own stance on the matter.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe cannot discuss Iran\u2019s response, including any move to close the strait, without discussing Israel\u2019s attack on Iran that was backed by the US.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur foreign policy is clear. But we must also manage our relationship with our neighbours,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Passage through the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic chokepoint through which about 20% of the world\u2019s crude oil and gas transit, has been severely disrupted following continuous US and Israeli attacks on Iran\u2019s territory and facilities since Feb 28.<\/p>\n
While Iran has not officially blocked the waterway, it said it would only allow vessels from \u201cnon-hostile\u201d nations to transit the strait.<\/p>\n
Besides Malaysia, countries such as Pakistan, India and the Philippines have sought or coordinated safe passage arrangements through the strait with Iran.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n