Wednesday, February 10, 2010

November 23, 2009 20:31 PM

Malaysia Not Distribution Centre For Nuclear Equipment Or Technology - Kohilan

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 23 (Bernama) -- Malaysia has never been a distribution centre for nuclear equipment or technology to Iran, deputy Foreign Minister Senator A. Kohilan Pillay told the Dewan Rakyat here Monday.

Kohilan said although some individuals and companies from Malaysia have been accused of carrying out such activities abroad, especially in the United States, they were isolated cases.

"The accusation involving two individuals and two companies from Malaysia were isolated cases and does not mean Malaysia have become a centre for such activities," said Kohilan.

Kohilan was answering a question by William Leong Jee Keen (PKR-Selayang) who wanted the Foreign Minister to brief in detail, six allegations of Malaysia's involvement in the distribution of nuclear equipment and technology, to the Iranian army.

He added that thus far, cases involving individuals or companies have not been heard in court but the government would continue to monitor the situation and progress.



He said on Sept 11 last year, the Justice Department of the United States had issued an indictment on eight individuals and eight foreign entities, including two individuals and companies from Malaysia.

The two companies named were Eco Biochem Sdn Bhd and Vast Solution Sdn Bhd, while the two individuals named were Brian Kaam, also known as Kam Chee Mun, a Malaysian and Majid Seif, also known as Mark Ong, an Iranian living in Malaysia.

Kohilan said they faced 13 accusations and charged at a Florida District Court in the United States.

"Among the charges included conspiracy, breaching rules under the United States International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977 and United States Iran Embargo Act of 1996 plus giving false declaration to agencies in the United States for exporting US made products which had dual usage, to Iran," he said.

He added that dual usage meant, products which had a commercial application but can be used by the army.

-- BERNAMA

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