US Democrats urge review of Malaysia ties over Anwar’s Israeli deportation remarks

 Eight lawmakers want the state department to also consider the suspension of US military training funding if Malaysia does not change its 'policy'.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said Israeli nationals found in Malaysia would be deported if allegations that they entered the country were confirmed. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA:

Eight US lawmakers have urged secretary of state Marco Rubio to review Washington’s security and economic ties with Malaysia and consider suspending US military training funding following Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’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”.

“It is totally unacceptable that a head of government has publicly declared that his country will hunt down and expel citizens of our close ally based solely on their nationality. It should not be underwritten by the American taxpayer,” they said.

The letter was also signed by Josh Gottheimer (New Jersey), Jimmy Panetta (California), Dan Goldman (New York), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (Florida), Jared Moskowitz (Florida), Brad Sherman (California) and Jake Auchincloss (Massachusetts).

The lawmakers pointed to US security assistance provided to Malaysia, including the International Military Education and Training (Imet) programme which funds professional training for Malaysian military personnel.

They also alleged that Hamas members had trained in Malaysia, citing a report by an Israeli counter-terrorism research institute, and accused Putrajaya of “welcoming terrorists while targeting Jews”.

“Given these points of diplomatic leverage, we believe the US should make clear to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and his government that, with our aid and support, comes an expectation that they won’t target the nationals of one of our closest allies,” they said.

The lawmakers called on the US State Department to clarify its planned response and suspend Imet funding if the alleged policy is not reversed within 15 days.

“We strongly urge you to use every tool at your disposal to make clear that this conduct (by Malaysia against Jews) carries consequences,” they said.

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

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

Last week, the immigration ‌department carried ⁠out an inspection and found that all 256 foreigners at Network School had valid travel documents.

The Iskandar Puteri City Council (MBIP) has revoked NSO’s business licence effective today following non-compliance with licensing conditions and the use of premises under the local authority’s jurisdiction.

FMT has reached out to the Prime Minister’s Office, Wisma Putra and the defence ministry for comment. - FMT