Update: Since this statement was issued on 18 March, we understand the Malaysian government will no longer accept port-of-call requests from US warships at any Malaysian port. We welcome this decision as a principled stand in defence of national sovereignty and civilian lives.
Open letter to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim
We, the NGOs listed below, register our strong protest against the recent docking of two United States Navy littoral combat ships at the North Butterworth Container Terminal, Penang, from 14 to 16 March (New Straits Times, 17 March).
The assertion that these vessels complied with “established procedures” is insufficient. Administrative compliance does not absolve Malaysia of moral or political responsibility.
The US is currently engaged in unlawful and unprovoked military aggression against Iran. Allowing its naval vessels to dock – however routine this is framed – amounts to enabling such actions.
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Malaysia cannot credibly uphold a principled stance on justice while facilitating the operational convenience of a state engaged in ongoing violations of international law. This is a matter of principle, not procedure.
We therefore call on the government of Malaysia to:
- Immediately suspend docking permissions for military vessels from states engaged in active violations of international law
- Urgently review all policies governing foreign military port access
- Publicly clarify the principles guiding such decisions
Malaysia must not serve as a logistical waypoint for war.
We expect a clear and principled response.
18 March 2026
Issued by:
- BDS Malaysia
- Centhra Malaysia
- GSPP
- Haluan
- Maqdisiy Malaysia
- Muslim Care Malaysia
- Sejagat
- Pergerakan Tenaga Akademik Malaysia (Gerak)
- Pertubuhan Ikram Malaysia
- Angkatan Belia Islam Malaysia (Abim)
- Muslim Volunteer Malaysia (MVM)
- Citizens International
- Viva Palestina Malaysia (VPM)
- Yayasan Amal Malaysia
- PMPM
- Palestine Solidarity, Penang (PSP)
- Aliran
- Pertubuhan Agenda Wanita Malaysia (Agenda)
- Students Against Genocide Malaysia
- Sekretariat Solidariti Palestin (SSP)
- Sekolah Merdeka
- Pertubuhan Kadazan Dusun Murut Muslim Se-Malaysia (KDMRS Muslim)
- Malaysian Protest for Palestine (Mp4P)
- Gegar
AGENDA RAKYAT - Lima perkara utama
- Tegakkan maruah serta kualiti kehidupan rakyat
- Galakkan pembangunan saksama, lestari serta tangani krisis alam sekitar
- Raikan kerencaman dan keterangkuman
- Selamatkan demokrasi dan angkatkan keluhuran undang-undang
- Lawan rasuah dan kronisme
