Below is a letter sent to US Trade Representative Susan C Schwab, a copy of which was forwarded to malaysiakini :

I am writing to you to highlight an issue that has come to my attention regarding Iran and Malaysia and to request formal action on your part.

According to recent press report, Iran has signed a US$16 billion liquefied natural gas (LNG) deal with Malaysia's SKS to help develop gas fields in southern Iran and establish LNG production plants. This is a disturbing development that I believe requires swift action by the administration.

As part of legislation which I co-sponsored, Congress recently extended and strengthened the Iran Sanctions Act, requiring sanctions against legislation, it behooves all of us charged with implementing US foreign policy to take acitons to further press Iran to cease its development of nuclear weapons.

I understand that your office is currently engaged in discussions with the government of Malaysia to negotiate a Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Since a fundamental purpose of any FTA to strengthen cooperation consistent with broader US strategic goals, I believe we have a right to expect the government of Malaysia to join us in condemning this LNG deal and, more importantly, to make certain that it is nullified before we proceed with further trade negotiations.

Malaysia stands to benefit greatly from an FTA with the United States, and it is important that our trade partners are not engaged, actively or passively, in undermining our most basic security policies.

I therefore request that your office formally suspend all FTA negotiations with Malaysia until and unless the government of Malaysia ensures that the SKS agreement with Iran is cancelled.

The writer is chairman of US House of Representatives' Committee on Foreign Affairs.