Malaysia will not bow to threats over ban on Israeli citizens, says PM Anwar Ibrahim

Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has firmly stated that Malaysia will uphold its sovereign right to prevent any Israeli citizens from entering the country. This long-standing policy, implemented for decades, is a direct response to the ongoing atrocities, occupation, and killings perpetrated by the Israeli regime against Palestinians.

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They can make threats, but I will remain firm in defending the rights of Malaysians and the decision made by Malaysians to continue to prevent the presence of any Israeli citizens in Malaysia.

Ibrahim asserted that Malaysia will not be intimidated or pressured by any entity challenging this decision. "They can make threats, but I will remain firm in defending the rights of Malaysians and the decision made by Malaysians to continue to prevent the presence of any Israeli citizens in Malaysia," he declared. He noted that many countries have similar bans and that Malaysia's policy is not unique or new.

The Prime Minister's remarks came in response to a letter from several U.S. Congress members who accused Malaysia of violating international law with its ban on Israeli citizens. The group urged Secretary of State Antony Blinken to reassess U.S. security and economic ties with Malaysia, even suggesting the suspension of military training financing.

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The claim is baseless, considering Malaysia has the right to determine its national policy as an independent and sovereign nation.

Ibrahim dismissed the allegations as baseless, reiterating Malaysia's right as an independent and sovereign nation to determine its own policies. He clarified that Malaysia's stance is not against Jewish people but specifically targets Israeli citizens due to the actions of the Israeli government. Former Foreign Minister Tan Sri Syed Hamid Albar echoed this sentiment, stating that Malaysia would not bow to pressure from any major power, including the U.S., in setting its foreign policy based on national interest and humanitarian principles.

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Malaysia does not have a problem with Jewish people. On the contrary, the country's stance is focused only on Israeli citizens linked to cruel actions against Palestinians.