No Israel company operating in Malaysia, Anwar says

 

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has confirmed that no Israeli-based companies currently operate in the country.

He said that since his government took charge, Israeli companies have been prohibited from operating here, adding that Israel cargo company Zim was disallowed from entering the country.

“There are no Israeli companies registered in the country. We will not allow it,” he said.

He highlighted a decision made in 2002 during Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s tenure as prime minister when Zim was allowed to enter, but the cabinet cancelled it during Anwar’s term.

“Remember in 2002, Mahathir brought in Zim when he was prime minister.

“He might have his reasons behind it, and the company continued (to operate here) until my cabinet and I cancelled it,” he added.

Anwar was speaking to reporters after attending the launch of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy programme at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre today.

In March, Transport Minister Anthony Loke issued a stern warning to a port operator who mistakenly allowed containers bearing the logo of the Israeli-based company Zim to exit the port and end up on highways.

Prior to that, Anwar announced that the government had decided to immediately stop accepting ships flying the Israeli flag into the country as well as banning ships en route to Israel from loading cargo at Malaysian ports.

Yesterday, Bersatu international bureau chief Saifuddin Abdullah urged the government to ban Lockheed Martin and BAE Systems from participating in and sponsoring the Natsec Asia 2024 exhibition, citing concerns about the F-35 fighter jet by Lockheed Martin and equipment supplied by BAE being used in attacks on Palestinians.

Defence Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin then issued a statement stating that the country does not interfere in the business affairs of any global company. - Mkini