Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has reaffirmed that Malaysia will continue to bar Israeli citizens from entering Malaysia despite pressure from a group of US Congress members.
According to Bernama, he emphasised that the policy has been in place for decades and should be well-known to the US.
Malaysia’s position is guided by its commitment to defending the rights of the people and opposing the oppression, aggression, and continued killing of Palestinians in Gaza.
“That will not deter us. They may issue threats, but I will firmly defend the rights of the Malaysian people and uphold the government’s decision to continue prohibiting the entry of any Israeli national into Malaysia,” Anwar was quoted as saying to reporters in Paroi, Negeri Sembilan.
Anwar also dismissed the Congress members’ criticisms regarding Malaysia’s ties to Hamas as baseless, saying he had never concealed his meetings with the group’s leaders, explaining that they were held to express sympathy for families affected by bombings and killings.
When asked whether the issue would affect Malaysia-US relations, Anwar reportedly said it should not.
Yesterday, eight House Democrats, led by Congress members Josh Gottheimer and Greg Landsman, urged Malaysia to reverse its policy of not allowing Israeli citizens to enter the country within 15 days, which they described as “anti-Semitic”.
If Malaysia does not comply, they proposed US Secretary of State Marco Rubio should suspend the International Military Education Training programme.
The statement comes on the heels of the Johor government’s stern action to shut down the Network School tech commune in Forest City, Johor.
The organisation’s operations came under public scrutiny after allegations circulated on social media that it was hosting Israelis who had entered Malaysia by using a second passport. Anwar had said any Israeli citizens found in Malaysia would be deported.
‘Interfering with M’sian sovereignty’
Meanwhile, the New Straits Times quoted Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil saying that Malaysia will not tolerate foreign interference in its sovereign affairs, particularly on immigration matters.
“The actions of these eight members of Congress are very rude because they appear to be interfering in our country’s sovereignty.
“We will certainly convey a very clear message to the United States Embassy not to interfere in Malaysia’s internal affairs, including immigration matters. Malaysia is a sovereign nation,” he reportedly told the media in Kuala Pilah, Negeri Sembilan.
Fahmi, who is also the government spokesperson, reportedly added that the cabinet had been informed by Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail that investigations into 266 individuals linked to the recently shut-down Network School found no Israelis among them.
A probe into 11 individuals suspected of holding dual citizenship is ongoing, but no offences under immigration laws or regulations administered by the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) have been established so far, he said.
Earlier today, Kepong MP Lim Lip Eng urged the Malaysian government to take the US Congress members’ concerns seriously and that the Foreign Ministry should engage the US administration and the lawmakers concerned to explain the context of Anwar’s remarks.
He said Anwar’s remarks were made in the context of an ongoing investigation, and while Malaysia has the right to enforce its immigration laws, any action should be based on verified facts, immigration status, and applicable law, not religion or ethnicity.
Lim also noted that the revocation of Network School’s licence was based on alleged breaches of its licensing conditions, and should not be interpreted as proof that Israeli nationals were present.
“Malaysia should remain steadfast in its position on Palestinian rights while ensuring that this controversy does not unnecessarily affect its broader relationship with the US.
“A measured and factual response will best protect Malaysia’s principles, sovereignty, and international standing,” he said in a statement.
‘Mind your own backyard first’
Separately, Bangi MP Syahredzan Johan dismissed the US lawmakers’ move as “typical US patronising attitude”, using “anti-Semitism” as an excuse to meddle in another country’s domestic affairs.
“Instead of trying to tell us how to handle our own matters, these lawmakers should do more to stop the US war with Iran, which is causing much grief and hardship to the world.
“The world is paying the price for American hubris, and still these lawmakers have the gall to tell us how to run our own country,” he said in a Facebook post. - Mkini
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