Malaysia to notify its stand on banning Israeli swimmers

The Malaysian Paralympics Council (MPM) will formally notify the International Paralympics Committee (IPC) on the government's stand that it would not allow Israeli swimmers to attend a competition to be held in Kuching, Sarawak, later this year.

Youth and Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman said the cabinet at its last meeting had discussed the issue and decided to uphold Malaysia's existing stand opposing entries from Israel.

"A formal letter to the Sarawak youth and sports minister will be sent by the Home Ministry.

"Following that, the MPM will inform the IPC of the government's stand," Syed Saddiq said during a press conference after attending the International Day of Persons With Disabilities celebrations at the Paralympics Centre of Excellence in Kuala Lumpur.

Paralympic swimmers from over 70 countries are expected to participate in the Tokyo Paralympics 2020 qualifying event scheduled to be held from July 29 to Aug 4.

On Thursday, Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad announced Putrajaya's decision to deny visas to Israeli para-swimmers seeking to attend the 2019 World Para Swimming Championships.

"If they (Israeli athletes) do come, it is a violation.

"If they (the International Paralympic Committee) want to withdraw Malaysia’s right to host the championship, they can do so," Mahathir was quoted as saying by Bernama.

News agency AFP earlier today reported that the IPC has expressed disappointment over Mahathir's comments, although it would aim to "find a solution" to the issue.

'Move lauded by Arab Muslim leaders'

Meanwhile, Palestinian political group Hamas lauded Malaysia's move to reject all forms of normalising ties with Israel.

"The statement (by Mahathir) indicates Malaysia's unwavering position that supports the Palestinian people's right to defend and liberate their occupied lands, especially the Holy City of Jerusalem," said the group in a statement.

Similarly, a group of pro-Palestine parliamentarians from various Arab nations also thanked Mahathir for Malaysia's stand and called upon other governments to similarly speak up against atrocities committed by Zionist Israel.

Malaysia is one of a number of Muslim-majority countries that has no formal diplomatic ties with Israel, with entry to the country on an Israeli passport prohibited. - Mkini