Expelling Israelis is just enforcing existing policy, says Malaysian minister

Malaysia's firm stance on expelling any Israeli citizens found within its borders is merely the enforcement of an established national policy, according to Defense Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin. The government will not recognize the existence of Israel or establish any cooperative ties, he affirmed.

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Eight members of the US Congress presented their views to their government, so that is between them and their government. On the contrary, our attitude towards Israel has been practiced since long ago.

Nordin addressed concerns raised by eight members of the US Congress who expressed displeasure with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's directive to immediately expel Israelis if found in Malaysia. He clarified that Malaysia's position on Israel has been consistent for a long time and the current situation regarding the Network School is simply an implementation of this existing policy.

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The issue that arose involving the Network School is merely the implementation of a policy that we have long practiced. Everyone knows our policy does not recognize Israel, that's all.

Despite the diplomatic stance, Nordin noted that military cooperation between Malaysia and the US, including training and education programs, continues as usual. He stated that Malaysia sends its officers for courses and training lasting from one to two years. He added that if the US decides to freeze this cooperation, it is their prerogative, as it does not involve any funding but rather relies on the International Military Education and Training (IMET) program.

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It is still ongoing, we send our officers to attend courses and training, there are periods of one year, one and a half years, and also two years. If the US wants to freeze that cooperation, it is up to them, it also does not involve any funds but only financing through the International Military Education and Training (IMET) Program.

Nordin emphasized that Malaysia's policy towards Israel is not new and should not be a point of contention. He reiterated that the government's refusal to recognize Israel is a long-standing practice. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim had previously stated on July 16 that any Israeli citizen with dual nationality found entering Malaysia, including to attend the Network School in Forest City, Johor, would be immediately deported. Relevant agencies, including the Ministry of Higher Education and the Ministry of Home Affairs, are conducting thorough investigations into the matter.

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But they need to balance, that policy has existed for a long time, but when it needs to be enforced, Malaysia can say it is an old policy and should not be a problem, because there is nothing different.