Malaysia will review trade ties with multi-national companies from China, Japan and the United States that do business with Israel, in light of the recent attacks on Gaza.

Minister of Trade and Industry Mustapa Mohamed said the review would be carried out with the purpose of punishing Israel, according to a report in Utusan Malaysia today.

 

However, Mustapa stressed that it may be difficult to exert pressure on Israel alone, as many of these companies now operate across many nations, using Israeli-made components.

"Before making any final statement (to cut business ties with Israel), we need to discuss with the parties involved.

"Early discussions with companies from China, Japan and the US, which operate in Malaysia and have (Israel) trade ties, have been carried out.

"We have some zeroing-in to do. But whatever it is, the cabinet will decide," Mustapa is quoted as telling reporters in Kota Bahru.

 

Among the manufacturers to be reviewed, he said, were those in the technology sector, making computers and handphones. However, some of them, could not do without Israeli-made parts, Mustapa said.

According to the latest Wall Street Journal report, Palestinian and UN officials have said 1,740 have been killed in the month-long Israeli shelling of Gaza. Most were civilians.

Meanwhile, Israel has said 64 of its soldiers have died in the Gaza fighting, along with three civilians killed by rocket fire into Israel.

On Saturday, thousands of Malaysians took a stand supporting Gaza and condemned Israel's aggression at a rally in Dataran Merdeka.