Malaysia’s PM Anwar meets with Hamas leaders in Qatar amid US scrutiny of financial ties

The meeting comes days after the US Treasury Department sent envoys to Kuala Lumpur to flag concerns that Hamas is raising funds through Malaysia

Malaysia is ‘playing a dangerous game’ as US attention over alleged illicit money flows is often a precursor to harsh measures if remediation is not quick and clear, analysts say

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Malaysia’s Anwar Ibrahim (left), in Qatar on a three-day state visit, meets Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh. Photo: Facebook/ Anwar Ibrahim

Published: 4:13pm, 14 May 2024Updated: 6:40pm, 14 May 2024

Malaysia Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim met with the leaders of Hamas during his visit to Qatar, a move analysts said might provoke further scrutiny from the US into the country’s financial ties to the militant group, potentially leading to sanctions or other punitive measures.

Anwar, who is in Qatar on a three-day state visit, met with Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and its former chairman Khaled Mashal on Monday, according to a post on his official Facebook page.

The Malaysian prime minister has been one of the most vocal proponents of the Palestinian cause since the onset of the Israel-Gaza war on October 7. He has frequently decried Israel’s bombardment of the enclave and Washington’s diplomatic and military support for it.

He has also refused to bend to pressure to break off Malaysia’s relations with Hamas, which is considered to be a terrorist organisation by some countries, including the US and Israel.

Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar speaks at a rally in solidarity with the Palestinian people in Kuala Lumpur last year. Photo: EPA-EFE

In the post, which was published on Tuesday, Anwar says Malaysia “appreciates the willingness of Hamas to release prisoners, especially children and women, and to accept the peace plan of the Arab world, the OIC (Organisation of Islamic Cooperation) and the international community”.