Malaysian politician criticises Singapore stance on Hormuz talks as narrow, misaligned with regional interests

PETALING JAYA, MALAYSIA: A Malaysian political leader has criticised Singapore’s refusal to negotiate with Iran over safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, describing the position as both revealing and regrettable.

Nurul Izzah Anwar, deputy president of the People’s Justice Party (PKR), said the stance reflects a narrow strategic posture that prioritises alignment over regional responsibility and international law.

Her remarks follow statements by Singapore Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan, who said the republic would not engage in negotiations with Iran on the issue as a matter of principle.

Criticism of Singapore’s diplomatic posture

Nurul Izzah argued that Malaysia’s approach emphasises continued diplomatic engagement, particularly in matters affecting regional stability and global energy security.

“Iran's controls on the straits are an attempt to seek a durable peace. Malaysia has consistently upheld the principle that diplomacy must be exercised, not abandoned,” she said in a statement.

She added that Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s engagement is rooted in safeguarding regional stability, energy security, and the broader interests of Southeast Asia.

Nurul Izzah, who is also Anwar Ibrahim’s eldest daughter, said this approach reflects Malaysia’s longstanding commitment to diplomacy.

“To suggest otherwise, even implicitly, is to dismiss the very tools that have long preserved peace in our region,” she said.

Nurul Izzah further raised concerns about what she described as underlying implications in Singapore’s position.

“It is difficult to ignore the undertones in Balakrishnan’s position. His posture appears less about neutrality and more about echoing the strategic preferences of external powers, whose interests do not always align with those of our region,” she said.

Concerns over ASEAN’s diplomatic independence

The criticism extended to broader regional implications, particularly within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Nurul Izzah warned that such alignment risks eroding ASEAN’s long-held commitment to independent and balanced diplomacy.

She said Malaysia would continue to pursue an approach grounded in dialogue and engagement.

“We choose dialogue because history has shown that disengagement invites escalation, not stability,” she said.

“We choose to act because leadership demands more than cautious distance.”

She also noted that while differing views are expected, regional leaders must remain mindful of the implications of their positions.

“Balakrishnan is entitled to his position. But he should also recognise that quiet acquiescence to great power narratives and genocidal entities is not the same as principled neutrality,” she said.

Singapore will not negotiate over Strait of Hormuz passage ‘as matter of principle’: Vivian Balakrishnan

Singapore’s stance was articulated on 7 April during a parliamentary session, in response to a question from Workers’ Party Member of Parliament Fadli Fawzi.

Balakrishnan stated that Singapore cannot engage in negotiations with Iran over passage through the Strait of Hormuz as a matter of principle.

He emphasised that freedom of navigation through such waterways is a right under international law, rather than a privilege granted by coastal states.

“Singapore’s position on straits used for international navigation is longstanding and consistent,” he said, citing the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea as the governing framework.

He stressed that the right of transit passage applies universally and is not contingent on agreements or payments.

“It is not a toll to be paid. It is a right of all nations’ ships to traverse,” he said.

Balakrishnan added that this principle is also supported by customary international law.

Strategic and operational considerations

Singapore’s position is also shaped by its own geographical realities, particularly its reliance on major shipping routes such as the Strait of Malacca and the Strait of Singapore.

Balakrishnan noted that these waterways are critical to global trade and must remain open under established legal principles.

Despite rejecting negotiations, Singapore continues to monitor developments in the region.

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore is tracking Singapore-flagged vessels operating in the Persian Gulf, while agencies are engaging stakeholders on measures to facilitate safe transit.

This includes coordination with the International Maritime Organization on potential maritime corridors.

Balakrishnan said humanitarian considerations remain central, especially amid disruptions affecting commercial shipping and global energy supplies.

Regional responses to Hormuz disruptions

The Strait of Hormuz, a strategic chokepoint through which about 20 per cent of the world’s oil and gas passes, has experienced significant disruption following sustained military activity involving the United States and Israel targeting Iranian territory since 28 February 2026.

Although Iran has not formally closed the waterway, it has indicated that only vessels from “non-hostile” nations would be permitted to pass.

Malaysia has been among the countries engaging directly with Tehran to secure transit for its vessels.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim raised the issue with Iranian President Masoud Pezzeshkian, resulting in clearance for Malaysia-linked tankers.

At least one tanker bound for Johor has resumed its journey, with several others expected to follow in stages.

Other countries, including Pakistan, India and the Philippines, have also sought or coordinated arrangements to ensure continued access through the strait.