PM Najib says could reveal Dr M-Ehud Barak missives

February 24, 2012

Najib (left) accused the opposition of attempting to create confusion over the letters. — File pic

MALACCA, Feb 24 — Datuk Seri Najib Razak said he is prepared to publish the correspondence between former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Israeli counterpart Ehud Barak if these did not pose a security risk, Bernama Online reported today.

“I think that if there is no harm to the country, there is no reason why we cannot publish the letters. The opposition is trying to create confusion over the letters,” the prime minister was quoted saying in the report.

Dr Mahathir yesterday confessed to corresponding with then Israeli counterpart Barak, but said this was to convey Malaysia’s refusal to recognise the Jewish state.

According to the ex-prime minister, Barak had initiated the exchange to seek a softening of Malaysia’s stance on the Israeli-Palestinian dispute.

Allegations on the existence of this correspondence had surfaced online recently.

Dr Mahathir yesterday added that he wanted to publicise the letter but was advised against it by his administration.

Malaysia’s alleged ties with Israel were again dragged into the spotlight when the Wall Street Journal quoted Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as saying in an interview that he supported “all efforts to protect the security of the state of Israel.”

He later clarified to say his backing was conditional.

This led to Umno rivals and Dr Mahathir attacking the opposition leader as a Jewish sympathiser.

PKR pressure group Jingga 13 retaliated by highlighting the presence of Israeli vessels in local ports, claiming this affirmed claims that Malaysia had clandestine ties with Israel.

Malaysia is a staunch supporter of Palestine and has no diplomatic relationship with Israel.

Muslim politicians have long vied for support from Malays by denouncing what they say are inhumane acts of aggression by Israel towards its neighbour.