In my opinion, when Malaysia allowed 2 US navy ships to dock in Penang - these were ships that were involved or may be involved in the current US-Israel war against IRAN, it opens Malaysian ports(and maybe even airports) to the risk of being attacked/bombed by 'enemies' of US that are at 'war' with US. Worse, it may even lead to Malaysian embassies in the Middle East being bombed...
After US-Israel in breach of International Law, and international law, attacked IRAN illegally, Iran has retaliated and exercised its right to defend itself - and have been targeting military installments/bases and even ports/airports in other countries that have been HOUSING US-Israel forces/bases, or who have allowed their ports/airports to be used by such US-Israel forces for their attack on Iran.
Thus, from Iran's perspective, would not Malaysia also now be a target - is it not providing 'ASSISTANCE' to US-Israel, hence indicating its support for US-ISRAEL, and inadvertently acting AGAINST Iran. Now, the worry is, if Iran attacks Malaysian embassies/consulates in the Middle East, their actions may be justified.
Personally, I was shocked that Malaysia was allowing US military vehicles to use Malaysian ports, and maybe also airports...and even our airspace? Did these foreign vessels carry NUCLEAR weapons - did Malaysia even check these vehicles? It was previously, I believe, that Malaysia would not allow any foreign vessels with nuclear arms to use Malaysian airspace, ports or airports? Has this changed with PM Anwar Ibrahim's MADANI government, when our PM was invited by Trump to share a care ride in the 'BEAST', the President's car?
Have we been allowing US military vehicles despite GAZA - where Israel(with US Support) have been killing innocent Palestinian civilians - now maybe more that 70,000 dead?
Has Malaysia become a US crony state? Has Malaysia now become a US ally? Is Malaysia still with the Palestinian people, and now Iran, Venezuela, etc - Malaysia's 'alleged' members of the Non-Aligned Movement(NAM)? Or has Malaysia now become a US ally obedient to US?
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the two United
States Navy littoral combat ships (LCS) docked in Penang complied with
established Malaysian procedures.He added all naval vessels worldwide routinely make port calls before continuing to their destinations.
"These stops allow for logistical arrangements such as
replenishments. Any foreign naval vessel must submit a request through
its country to the Royal Malaysian Navy, which forwards it to the
Foreign Ministry for approval," Khaled told the New Straits Times.On Sunday, two Independence-class littoral combat ships were spotted
docked at the North Butterworth Container Terminal, with photos
circulating widely on social media.
Configured for minesweeping duties, the ships were last known to be
forward-deployed in the Middle East, having arrived in Bahrain within
the past year to replace decommissioned Avenger-class mine hunters.Penang Port Commission chairnan Datuk Yeoh Soon Hin said the two warships arrived on March 14 and left port on March 16. - NST, 17/3/2026
Justification of compliance with procedures - they must get the explicit approval of the Minister and the Malaysian Navy. So, did Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin give the approval? Did PM Anwar Ibrahim also give the approval? WHY - when we should know that these ships will be used against IRAN? I would love to hear PM Anwar Ibrahim's response --- or would he claim ignorance, and shift blame to some others?
How will IRAN now perceive Malaysia's action of allowing US vessels use Malaysia's port?
IRAN may be argued to be using their 'right to defend' consistent even with the UN principles - when it attacks also US-Israel military installations in the Middle East, attacking even countries that allow the US-Israeli forces use their ports, airports and even air-space to attack Iran.
US acted on its own. Apparently, it may have been just TRUMP acting on his own, because apparently US Congress never had a say in this illegal war against Iran. Was even NATO in the loop - looks like they were not. United Nations was also not in the know.
We cannot validate US's 'REGIME CHANGE' agenda - which means they want leaders/governments that support US and follow US's will.
US attacked and kidnapped Venezuela's President, and then it targeted and killed Iranian Supreme Leader and other leaders. Imagine it was Malaysia, and US attcked and abducted the King(or maybe PM Anwar), or worse KILLED them through targeted attacks - what will Malaysians do then?
Now, international law, and even Malaysian law 'protects' other countries diplomats - they cannot even be charged for crimes in Malaysia. Malaysia cannot attack Thailand or Singapore and abduct their PM or President to be brought back to Malaysia to stand trial for some 'alleged' offence.
US did this - and generally the world condemned it. They could not get UN to act or even a UN Security Council to pass a RESOLUTION - thanks to the 'ABUSE' of the VETO power - which US holds. Even the UN Security Council Motion to condemn the US-Israel attack of IRAN was blocked by the VETO power. Sadly only the UN Security Council Resolution condemning IRAN passed????
YES, the war is affecting the world now - after US seized control of Venezuela's petroleum, and now Middle East petroleum where most flowed through the Straits of Hormuz..
US has asked NATO members, the European nations and also other nations in the world, many of whom are now suffering because of the 'restrictions' Iran placed on the Straits of Hormuz, to keep Straits of Hormuz open, or to provide military escort to ships using the Straits > fortunately, to date MOST have refused. For if they get involved, they will be acting against IRAN, hence taking sides - worst with the very US and Israel that are GUILTY of violating UN principles, and international when they ATTACKED Iran - Worse, this is not the 1st time - there was recently a similar attack on Iran in June 2025, but thankfully it ended with a ceasefire after about 12 days...BUT, the UN did not take any action against Israel or the US until now for that also an ILLEGAL action, contrary to UN Principles.
During the 12-day Israel-Iran conflict in June 2025, Israeli airstrikes killed over 610 people in Iran, including hundreds of civilians and key IRGC commanders. Separately, U.S. strikes on nuclear sites resulted in at least 430 Iranian deaths. Iranian counterattacks killed 28 people in Israel.
“I am gravely alarmed by the use of force by the United States against
Iran today,” said the UN chief, reiterating that there is no military
solution...At least 430 Iranians are believed to have been killed during waves
of strikes since then with around 3,500 injured, according to figures
from the Iranian health ministry. In Israel, 24 civilians have
died in the retaliatory attacks according to local authorities with more
than 400 missiles reportedly fired towards the country. B-2
bombers were involved in the US strikes, President Trump confirmed,
dropping so-called “bunker buster” bombs on the uranium enrichment site
at Fordow which is buried deep inside a mountain south of the capital
Tehran. - UN, 21/6/2025
There is NO justification of US-Israel for its unilateral act of war was because of nuclear arms, and the Iranian owning/having missiles - but Iran has always been open to the UN International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspections, and IAEA have inspected it in the near past - did not find any nuclear arms...
NONSENSE is that US is yet to disarm its nuclear arms. Worse, that US has 'violated' the Treaty that emphasizes destroying Nuclear Arms - in fact, US has actively placed Nuclear Arms in other NATO countries in Europe - Belgium, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and Turkey. These weapons are stored for use by both U.S. and allied aircraft. Is this not a violation of the Treaty, which also did not want other countries to have nuclear arms??
Israel also has Nuclear Weapons, and has still not signed the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of
Nuclear Weapons (NPT) - but has the UN to date passed any resolution about this, let alone seek inspection of Israel?
So, when the IAEA is seen to be selectively paying attention and even asking for inspection of just certain countries like Iran...but failing to ensure NUCLEAR ARMS be reduced or eliminated in nuclear weapon owning countries - is it not a FAILURE of the UN and IAEA? Why have they not acted against US and Russia for placement of Nuclear Arms in other countries?
SELECTIVE NON-INVESTIGATION, SELECTIVE NON-PROSECUTION, SELECTIVE DNAA...are familiar for Malaysians today -
If anyone is to act against Iran, with regard to 'nuclear weapons', it is only the UN or the IAEA. US-Israel has NO RIGHT and certainly not the world-appointed 'policeman' for matters related to nuclear weapons.
US, with the support of European and Western nations, attacked IRAQ based on US allegations of 'weapons of mass destruction' and at the end of the war, that saw the extrajudicial killing of Saddam Hussein, there was NO WMD found.
Someone fired missiles into Israel, and the retaliation has been against the people of Palestine - that saw to date over 70,000 killed, hundreds of thousands injured, buildings/properties destroyed - still ongoing.
IS there a REASONABLENESS to Iran retaliating by attacking US Bases in Middle Eastern countries? Or attacking countries that allows US-Israeli forces to use its PORTS, Airports and maybe even airspace to continue this ILLEGAL was against IRAN? YES, it could be > why should they not have a right to even 'attack' countries that assist US-Israel to attack Iran?
THUS, Malaysia needs to CLARIFY its stance:-
Is Malaysia with US-Israel or are with the victim state of IRAN?
POLICY of Malaysia in allowing use of Malaysian ports/airports and maybe even airspace by US(and allies) during this war with IRAN?
POLICY - Malaysia's policy on allowing usage of PORTS, Airports and airspace by any military vehicles that are carrying NUCLEAR weapons?
If the US attacks Iranian vessels in Malaysian waters - will Malaysia protest and/or protect these Iranian vessels > just like what Sri Lanka did recently?
If Malaysia had a Prime Minister like Dr Mahathir, many Malaysians know that he will be STRONG in terms of values/principles, JUSTICE and Human Rights - and will be MOST CLEAR on Malaysia's stance, not allowing US or any other powerful nation to 'determine' Malaysia's stance in such issues. Sadly, to date, our Prime Minister has been seen to be 'WEAK' in this aspect - has Malaysia become a pro-US State, and is no more a part of the NON-ALLIGNED MOVEMENT, which includes Iran, Venezuela, North Korea - about 120 member States... ??
FEAR about US or other major nation state is reasonable > but should JUSTICE and Human Rights, RULE of LAW, UN principles, International Law... be respected and promoted BE MORE IMPORTANT than interest of 'economic stability' by reason of US retaliation, etc..
US has never respected Malaysia - despite Anwar's car ride with Trump - despite Malaysia's commitment to invest RM1 Trillion in US???,
Of late, US has again targeted Malaysia -
The administration of US President Donald Trump has launched a probe
into Malaysia on alleged excess manufacturing capacity in the
electronics, machinery and steel sectors...According to a United States Trade Representative (USTR) document, it
initiated investigations under Section 301 on March 11, 2026. The
section empowers the USTR to investigate and retaliate against unfair
foreign acts that restrict US trade.
So, this happening despite Anwar's agreement to invest RM1 Trillion - Now, many of these agreements have already been signed like to Boeing purchase. Note that these Agreements are not specifically part of that US-Malaysia Agreement (that I believe, has still not been explicitly terminated/cancelled by Malaysia)
Malaysia has committed to US$242.56 billion (RM1.14 trillion) in
purchases and investments in the United States as part of efforts to
narrow the trade imbalance between the two countries. Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul
Abdul Aziz said the commercial considerations helped secure a lower 19
per cent US tariff, down from 25 per cent.
the procurement of Boeing aircraft by Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG)
worth US$19 billion as part of a long-term, phased plan to renew and
expand its fleet capacity.
Multinational companies are set to procure goods in the
semiconductor, aerospace, and data centre sectors worth a total of
US$150 billion over five years.
Petronas has committed to the annual procurement of liquefied natural gas valued at US$3.4 billion.
Telekom Malaysia Bhd will procure telecommunications products
amounting to US$119 million, while Tenaga Nasional Bhd will buy coal
valued at US$42.6 million annually.
Furthermore, Malaysia will undertake cross-border investments in the United States amounting to US$70 billion over 10 years.
Now, that AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND MALAYSIA ON RECIPROCAL TRADE does not mention anything about this RM1 Trillion plus purchases/investment in this agreement.
So, even a TERMINATION of that US-Malaysia agreement may not affect the RM1 Trillion plus agreements - so Malaysia may still be committed to buy/invest RM1 Trillion in US... Can we get back our monies or cancel our Boeing airplane purchase agreement? I do not think so >> let's wait our FINANCE Minister Anwar Ibrahim to tell us HONESTLY..
Has the US-Malaysia Agreement been CANCELLED or Terminated - I do not think so, and it is still on the White House website? - we will talk more about that agreement later maybe in another post...
See also some past relevant post:-
2 Gulf-based US Navy ships docked in Penang followed procedures: Malaysia defence minister
Opposition coalition Perikatan Nasional has, however, called on
the federal government to provide a detailed explanation on the
presence of the US naval assets in Malaysian waters.
18 Mar 2026 12:14PM
(Updated: 18 Mar 2026 03:20PM
KUALA
LUMPUR: Two United States light combat ships that docked at a Penang
port over the weekend had complied with established Malaysian
procedures, Defence Minister Khaled Nordin said on Tuesday (Mar 17).
But
despite this reassurance, opposition coalition Perikatan Nasional (PN)
has called on the federal government to provide a detailed explanation
on the presence of the US naval assets in Malaysian waters.
On
Sunday, the two littoral combat ships were spotted docked at Penang’s
North Butterworth Container Terminal, some 5,600km from the Persian
Gulf, with photos of the ships circulating widely on social media,
reported local news outlets.
A littoral combat ship is a relatively small surface vessel designed for operations in near-shore environments.
Financial
Times had also reported that the two vessels - USS Tulsa and USS Santa
Barbara - had made “brief logistical stops” in Malaysia, citing a US
Fifth Fleet spokesperson.
Both vessels were reportedly
configured for minesweeping duties and previously deployed in the Middle
East after arriving in Bahrain within the past year to replace
decommissioned Avenger-class mine hunters.
On Tuesday, Khaled said that all naval vessels worldwide routinely make port calls before continuing on to their destinations.
“These
stops allow for logistical arrangements such as replenishments. Any
foreign naval vessel must submit a request through its country to the
Royal Malaysian Navy, which forwards it to the Foreign Ministry for
approval," Khaled was quoted as saying by the News Straits Times.
Meanwhile, PN secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan said reports of US naval presence has led to
concerns over Malaysia contradicting its neutral stance in the Middle
East conflict, potentially “undermining public confidence and the
country’s international image”.
He added
that this raised questions on Malaysia’s role in facilitating or being
indirectly involved in military operations linked to the conflict,
though PN welcomed Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s stance that Malaysia
would play no part in the war. - CNA, 18/3/2026
US probes Malaysia for overproduction in electronics, machinery and steel
By Izzul Ikram / theedgemalaysia.com
12 Mar 2026, 08:05 pmKUALA
LUMPUR (March 12): The administration of US President Donald Trump has
launched a probe into Malaysia on alleged excess manufacturing capacity
in the electronics, machinery and steel sectors in an effort to
reinstate tariffs struck down by the US Supreme Court.
According
to a United States Trade Representative (USTR) document, it initiated
investigations under Section 301 on March 11, 2026. The section empowers
the USTR to investigate and retaliate against unfair foreign acts that
restrict US trade.
The USTR
said evidence of structural excess capacity and production exists for
Malaysia through its large or persistent goods trade surpluses.
Citing
2024 figures, the USTR document said Malaysia maintained a bilateral
goods and services trade surplus with the United States of US$16 billion
(RM62.8 billion). Most of this surplus is focused on goods trade,
particularly in sectors such as electronics or machinery.
“Evidence
suggests that Malaysia has significant excess capacity in its steel
sector, which recorded capacity growth of 22% between 2018 and 2022,
despite a 25% decline in steel demand during that timeframe,” it also
noted.
The USTR
said the inter-agency Section 301 committee will hold public hearings
and seek public comments as part of investigations.
Once the
investigation, which is likely to take months, is completed, the USTR
must “determine whether action is appropriate, and if so, what action to
take”.
The
action comes less than a month after the US Supreme Court ruled on Feb
20 against previous tariffs under the International Emergency Economic
Powers Act (IEEPA). These were replaced with a 10% global levy on all
foreign goods under Section 122 of the Trade Act 1974. Trump is working
on increasing this to 15%.
Malaysia,
which announced the US-Malaysia agreement of reciprocal trade last year
to secure a 19% tariff, has yet to secure ratification.
Aside
from Malaysia, the USTR action also covers China, the EU, Singapore,
Switzerland, Norway, Indonesia, Cambodia, Thailand, Korea, Vietnam,
Taiwan, Bangladesh, Mexico, Japan and India.
“Across
numerous sectors, many US trading partners are disregarding market-based
policies and producing more goods than they can consume or productively
invest domestically,” the USTR said.
“The
result of this overproduction is large or persistent trade surpluses,
including the expansion of exports to the US or to third countries that,
in turn, export to the US. This displaces existing US domestic
production or prevents investment and expansion in US manufacturing
production that otherwise would have been brought online,” it added.
Affected
sectors include aluminium, automobiles, batteries, cement, chemicals,
electronics, energy goods, glass, machine tools, machinery, non-ferrous
metals, paper, plastics, processed food and beverages, robotics,
satellites, semiconductors, ships, solar modules, steel and
transportation equipment, according to the USTR.
“In many
of these sectors, the US has lost substantial domestic production
capacity or has fallen worryingly behind foreign competitors,” it noted. - Edge, 12/3/2026
Malaysia to buy, invest over US$240bil in US to reduce trade gap [BTTV]
By Diyana IsamudinAugust 4, 2025 @ 4:06pm
KUALA
LUMPUR: Malaysia has committed to US$242.56 billion (RM1.14 trillion)
in purchases and investments in the United States as part of efforts to
narrow the trade imbalance between the two countries.
Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul
Abdul Aziz said the commercial considerations helped secure a lower 19
per cent US tariff, down from 25 per cent.
"To address the bilateral trade deficit that favours Malaysia, the US
encourages Malaysia to undertake procurement from and investment in the
US under Section 6 of this agreement," he told Parliament today.
The deals made between Malaysia and the US include the procurement of
Boeing aircraft by Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) worth US$19 billion
as part of a long-term, phased plan to renew and expand its fleet
capacity.
Multinational companies are set to procure goods in the
semiconductor, aerospace, and data centre sectors worth a total of
US$150 billion over five years.
Petronas has committed to the annual procurement of liquefied natural gas valued at US$3.4 billion.
Telekom Malaysia Bhd will procure telecommunications products
amounting to US$119 million, while Tenaga Nasional Bhd will buy coal
valued at US$42.6 million annually.
Furthermore, Malaysia will undertake cross-border investments in the United States amounting to US$70 billion over 10 years. - NST, 4/8/2025
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