By Azura Abas

PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia has no choice but to close bank accounts of Iranian individuals and companies here, Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said today.

He said Malaysia was “forced to do it by certain quarters”.

“Our ties are very strong with Tehran. But, we face very strong pressures from certain quarters which you may guess.

“And, it is very difficult (not to comply) because we receive threats about closing our banks abroad.

“It’s a kind of bullying by very powerful people,” Dr Mahathir told reporters after chairing the 2019 National Students Consultative Council (MPPK) meeting here.

Also present were Education Minister Dr Maszlee Malik and Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng.

On the reason why the Iranians’ bank accounts were closed, Dr Mahathir replied: “The purpose is to make it difficult for those people (the Iranians). ”

He said this in response to Reuters report that banks in Malaysia were closing the accounts of Iranians here.

The report said it was a sign that US sanctions were having a far-reaching impact on citizens of the Islamic republic.

The report estimated that about 10,000 Iranians were living in Kuala Lumpur.

On his meeting with the MPPK representatives, Dr Mahathir said the university students had come up with good ideas which the relevant ministries could look into.

“Some of the concerns raised were on mental health; green places where people can walk around and the value system practised by our students so that Malaysians will be known not only for being educated but also for good character.”

Earlier, Maszlee expressed hope that students would come up with more constructive views during dialogues.

“To be frank, I am a tad disappointed because most of the dialogues, the common request was about financial aid.

“I understand the problem faced (by the students). And, the government is looking into it seriously, which is why we have reinstated the Students’ Association.” he said.