Call to review US ties with Malaysia over Israeli ban ‘misguided’, says Anwar

 The prime minister says while Malaysia will continue to maintain good relations with the US, it will not remain silent on the killing of innocent civilians in the Middle East.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the US lawmakers who had called for Washington to review its economic ties with Malaysia were out of touch with global developments.

SEREMBAN:

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has described the call for the US to review its security and economic ties with Malaysia over Putrajaya’s policy barring Israeli citizens from entering the country as “misguided”.

Anwar said it was clear that the eight US lawmakers who mooted the idea were out of touch with global developments.

“Many countries impose such restrictions, and Malaysia has done so for decades.

“They are now taking the opportunity to threaten me and Malaysia and urge the US government to take action,” he told reporters here.

Earlier today, it was reported that the lawmakers had urged secretary of state Marco Rubio to also consider suspending US military training funding following Anwar’s remarks that Israeli citizens found in the country would be deported.

In a letter dated July 21, the House Democrats, led by Ohio congressman Greg Landsman, said Malaysia’s refusal to recognise Israel was “troubling enough”.

They also said it was unacceptable that a head of government had publicly declared that “his country will hunt down and expel citizens of our close ally based solely on their nationality”.

Anwar’s remarks last week followed claims that Israeli nationals had used passports from other countries to take part in Network School, a “digital nomad” community in Forest City, Johor.

Israeli passport holders cannot enter Malaysia without approval, as Malaysia does not have diplomatic ties with Tel Aviv.

This evening, Anwar said Malaysia would continue to maintain good relations with the US, as it does with other countries, but would not remain silent about the killing of innocent civilians in the Middle East.

“It is impossible for us to be unwilling or afraid to speak out against the excesses that have resulted in the killing of innocent people, including in Palestine and Gaza,” he said.

Anwar also insisted that Malaysia would not be intimidated into changing its policy, adding that “we are free to speak”.

“They can issue threats, but I will firmly defend the rights of Malaysians and the decision made by Malaysians to continue barring the entry of any Israeli citizen into Malaysia,” he said.

He dismissed suggestions that the issue would damage bilateral ties with Washington.

“The US has been aware of Malaysia’s policy for decades, so I don’t think it should affect our relationship. We continue to welcome Americans, as well as US businesses, investments and trade,” he said. - FMT