Calvin Cheng had praised Singaporean foreign affairs minister Vivian Balakrishnan’s stance that negotiating for passage through the strait could undermine international law.
“Singapore doesn’t negotiate with terrorists. On the other hand, there are countries boasting they have negotiated passage but in the same breath say they are running out of oil next month,” Cheng wrote in a Facebook post.
Tehran has allowed Malaysia-linked vessels through the strait after Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim raised the issue directly with Iranian president Masoud Pezzeshkia.
At least one tanker bound for Johor has resumed its journey, with six others to be cleared in stages.
Syahredzan described Cheng’s remarks as misguided and incendiary, adding that they appeared directed at Malaysia, even though no country was named.
“Let me make this clear: we respect Singapore’s position in this conflict. Each country has different energy needs, and use different ways to overcome the crisis,” said the DAP vice-chairman in a Facebook post.
“Malaysia, too, will chart its own path for its people. Our government will do what is needed to protect the people of Malaysia, including negotiating for passage through the Strait of Hormuz.”
Syahredzan also said such comments by outsiders were unnecessary and unacceptable.
“And I am very sure that Mr Cheng’s remarks about Malaysia do not reflect the country’s official position,” he said.
“But such statements will inflame tensions between the people of our two countries at a time when we really should not be focused on attacking each other, but trying to overcome the worst shock the world has witnessed post pandemic.”
Passage through the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic chokepoint through which about 20% of the world’s crude oil and gas transit, has been severely disrupted following continuous US and Israeli attacks on Iran’s territory and facilities since Feb 28.
While Iran has not officialy blocked the waterway, it said it would only allow vessels from “non-hostile” nations to transit the strait.
Besides Malaysia, countries such as Pakistan, India and the Philippines have sought or coordinated safe passage arrangements through the strait.