- Anwar Ibrahim has rejected a threat from eight US lawmakers to suspend military training funds unless Malaysia reverses its restrictions on Israeli nationals, stating that this is totally absurd as the policy has been in place for decades.
- In response to the US lawmakers' letter, Anwar emphasized that Malaysia's stance is guided by its commitment to defending the rights of the Palestinian people and opposing oppression.
- Professor Dr Joseph A. Massad defended Malaysia's position during a public lecture on July 23, stating that the country's stance against Israel is a principled one against genocide and not antisemitic.
- Massad argued that Israel does not represent all Jews globally and that accusations of antisemitism against those opposing Israel are misplaced.
- He commended Malaysia for maintaining its longstanding position of not establishing diplomatic relations with Israel despite US pressure.
Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has firmly rejected a threat from eight U.S. lawmakers to suspend military aid unless the country lifts its ban on Israeli nationals. He described the threat as 'totally absurd' and reaffirmed Malaysia's long-standing policy against allowing Israeli citizens entry, emphasizing the nation's commitment to Palestinian rights.12
Anwar stated, 'We are against the presence here of any Israeli citizen – not Jews, but Israeli citizens because they are complicit in the murders, crimes and continuous oppression and colonisation of Palestine and Gaza.' This response comes after the U.S. lawmakers expressed dissatisfaction with Malaysia's stance, accusing Anwar of targeting Israelis based solely on their nationality.
The controversy intensified following Malaysia's deportation of Israeli nationals allegedly linked to the Network School operations in Johor. Anwar's government has maintained that its policy is a principled stance against genocide, as highlighted by academician Professor Dr. Joseph A. Massad, who stated, 'Not having diplomatic relations with a genocidal state is a statement against genocide.' He argued that opposition to Israel should not be misconstrued as anti-Semitism, emphasizing that Israel does not represent all Jews globally.5
Despite sustained pressure from the U.S. for Muslim-majority countries to normalize ties with Israel, Anwar's administration remains resolute in its position, asserting its sovereign right to control entry into the country and rejecting claims of violating international law.
“Eight US lawmakers accused Anwar of singling out Israelis solely because of their nationality in a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Anwar countered that Malaysia’s decades-old policy is a sovereign decision, not antisemitic, but a stance against Israeli complicity in Palestinian oppression.”
The Star
South China Morning Post
