Subject: Protest Against Docking of United States Warships in Malaysian Ports
YAB Prime Minister,
We, the NGOs listed below, register our strong protest against the recent docking of two United States Navy littoral combat ships at the North Butterworth Container Terminal, Penang, from 14 to 16 March (New Straits Times, 17 March).
The assertion that these vessels complied with “established procedures” is insufficient. Administrative compliance does not absolve Malaysia of moral or political responsibility.
The United States is currently engaged in unlawful and unprovoked military aggression against Iran. Allowing its naval vessels to dock—however routine this is framed—amounts to enabling such actions.
Malaysia cannot credibly uphold a principled stance on justice while facilitating the operational convenience of a state engaged in ongoing violations of international law. This is a matter of principle, not procedure.
We therefore call on the Government of Malaysia to:
Malaysia must not serve as a logistical waypoint for war.
We expect a clear and principled response.
18 March 2026