Malaysia not anti-Jewish, policy on Israel remains unchanged

REMBAU – Malaysia has stressed that its decision to ask an individual to leave the country was made in accordance with its immigration policy due to the person's Israeli citizenship, and not because of prejudice against any race or religion.

Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said Malaysia has long maintained a policy of not recognising Israel, and that this remains the country's official position.

He said the individual entered Malaysia using a United States (US) passport, but further checks revealed that the person also holds Israeli citizenship.

“He is both an Israeli and an American citizen. He entered Malaysia using a US passport.

“However, further checks found that he also holds Israeli citizenship. So we asked him to leave. There is nothing unusual about it,” he said.

He was responding to objections raised by eight US members of Congress over Malaysia's action against the individual.

Mohamad clarified that the objections came from members of Congress and did not represent the official position of the US government.

“Those eight members of Congress are ordinary lawmakers and not part of the government.

“It is true that the US State Department contacted Malaysia's ambassador in Washington to seek an explanation over the matter,” he said.

He added that Malaysia's ambassador in Washington had explained that the action was consistent with the country's long-standing policy.

According to Mohamad, the move was in line with Malaysia's position of not recognising Israel or the Zionist regime.

“Our ambassador explained that this is nothing new because it has long been Malaysia's policy and immigration policy not to recognise Israel.

“Since we do not recognise Israel, we also do not recognise passports issued by the country. This policy has been in place for a long time,” he said.

Mohamad said Wisma Putra had also engaged with the US Embassy in Kuala Lumpur through its Chargé d'Affaires.

He said both sides had agreed to handle the matter through diplomatic channels.

“Our ambassador has provided an explanation to the US State Department, while Wisma Putra has been in contact with the US Embassy in Kuala Lumpur.

“Both parties have agreed to manage the matter in the best possible way. The US State Department has also stated that it respects Malaysia's policy,” he said.

Meanwhile, Mohamad rejected claims that Malaysia is anti-Jewish or discriminates against individuals based on race or religion.

He stressed that Malaysia's position is directed at the Zionist regime of Israel, not the Jewish community.

“We are not rejecting Jewish people, nor do we have a problem with any race. What we do not recognise is the Zionist regime of Israel.

“If someone holds an Israeli passport, we do not recognise that passport. It is not because the person is Jewish,” he said.

He added that there are also people of Jewish descent living in Malaysia without any issues.

“So the claim that Malaysia is anti-Jewish does not arise. The matter is being handled properly,” he said.