Putrajaya defends move to allow Israeli kickboxer entry

UPDATED @ 08:45:05 PM 01-11-2011

By Clara Chooi

November 01, 2011

Grad took part in the Muay Thai Challenger event in Kuala Lumpur.

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 1 — Putrajaya was forced today to defend its decision to allow Israeli kickboxer Ilya Grad to participate in the “Muay Thai Challenger” event here, saying barring him entry would have resulted in a boycott by athletes from pro-Israel nations.

But, the government stressed the decision was specifically for the event and does not mean Malaysia now has diplomatic relations with Israel.

Responding to protests from several backbenchers in Parliament today, Deputy Foreign Minister Richard Riot said although Malaysia does not have ties with Israel, exceptions to the rule could be made for events of international significance like sports meets.

“Malaysia’s policy has never changed... we do not have diplomatic relations with Israel,” he told the House when wrapping up the debate on Budget 2012.

But he stressed the entry of Israel nationals into Malaysia would be allowed but done in a “low-profile” manner.

“The entry of Israeli nationals must obtain Home Ministry approval... they must obtain proper documents for their entry and the invitation into the country must be offered by the event organisers and not the government.

“It must be low profile and should not receive coverage from the local media,” he said.

Riot added the government was aware of the sensitivity of the situation but reiterated the likely boycott that could result from those who support Israel’s cause.

In response, Khalid Samad (PAS-Shah Alam) charged that the move was a “huge mistake”, claiming it would turn Malaysia into a laughingstock.

“We should just apologise and say he is not allowed to enter,” he said.

Datuk Ibrahim Ali (IND-Pasir Mas) agreed and accused the government of practising double standards.

“I am confused. You are saying Israel nationals can enter Malaysia for sports meets but without publicity,” he said.

Grad made history as the first Israeli to enter Malaysia, wave his country’s flag and leave unscathed.

Malaysia has no diplomatic ties with Israel due to the majority Muslim government’s pro-Palestinian stand in the long-running Middle East dispute.

The “Muay Thai Challenger” brings 16 of the world’s best kickboxers in the same house to eat, sleep and train together, and in the evenings they fight in a ring in front of the cameras.

The show is currently airing all over Asia on Sony-owned AXN.