SEREMBAN: Malaysia will maintain its longstanding policy of barring Israeli citizens from entering the country, despite criticism from eight United States congressmen over the decision said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He said Malaysia was an independent and sovereign nation, stressing that the restriction was not a new policy but one that had been implemented for decades.
“Several members of the US Congress have issued statements criticising me over Malaysia’s decision to bar Israeli citizens from entering companies and the country.
“It is clear they have not followed developments. Many countries impose such restrictions, and Malaysia has done it for decades. They are now taking the opportunity to threaten me and Malaysia, and are calling on the US government to take action,” he said.
Anwar said Malaysia’s position was based on clear principles and should be understood by the eight US lawmakers, particularly in light of Israel’s actions against Palestinians.
“How can elected representatives in their country erase the reality of the killing of children, civilians and women, the destruction of homes, and the occupation of territories, yet remain silent?
“Malaysia is an independent nation. Even if those making such statements are not free to speak out, we are free to do so.
“They may issue threats, but I will firmly defend the rights of Malaysians and the decision of the Malaysian people to continue barring any Israeli citizen from entering Malaysia,” he said.
“The United States has been aware of Malaysia’s policy for decades, so I do not think it should affect our relationship.
“We continue to welcome Americans, as well as US businesses, trade and investments. We will maintain good relations with the United States, just as we do with other countries.
“It is impossible for us to remain unwilling or afraid to speak out against the killing of innocent civilians, including those in Palestine and Gaza,” he said.
He was speaking to reporters after the “Jelajah Rakan Muda” programme at the Paroi Youth and Sports Complex on Wednesday 22 July.
Meanwhile in his facebook post, Anwar stressed that Malaysia’s stance is that there is no compromise on the illegal entity of the Israel Zionist.
“Do not think that we can be challenged easily in that way as if Malaysia has no moral and could be made as a puppet. We have sovereignty and as long as I am here, I will ensure that our stand will not change no matter how big is the threat,” he said.
