Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Saturday said that Malaysia remains consistent in its stance on the Israel-Palestine issue. He emphasized that Putrajaya has never recognised the existence of Israel diplomatically.
Ibrahim further revealed that Malaysia did not send embassy officials or it did not establish diplomatic relations with Israel to demonstrate a protest measure against the Israeli oppression of Palestine.
In a press conference with Malaysian Media in Lima, Anwar said, “What needs to be understood is that we do not recognise Israel in terms of diplomatic relations and do not allow them to conduct trade or official activities in Malaysia.”
“In the context of the international system, some say ‘de facto’ and some say ‘de jure’. Israel exists as a country in the context of membership in the United Nations, but we still reject official recognition of the country,” he added and FMT reporters quoted.
“How can we talk about the economy and free trade if the rights of a nation are denied?”
In the press conference the Malaysian PM further said that “I want the people to understand that Malaysia continues to adhere to the principle of justice for Palestine.”
“How can we talk about the economy and free trade if the rights of a nation are denied? This is a matter of justice. Malaysia will continue to voice support for the Palestinian people wherever it is needed.
“Don’t be willing to slander and deceive for political gain. When I asked, when you ruled, why did you allow Israeli ships to dock at Port Klang, why did you allow Israeli planes to pass through our airspace? They did not answer,” he added.
Edited Footages?
Meanwhile, in an interview with CNN’ Richard Quest earlier, Anwar said, Malaysia recognised Israel’s right to exist and to defend itself.”
However, government spokesman Fahmi Fadzil said and FMT stated that the footage was edited by “irresponsible parties” to create confusion.
Responding the accusations and claims that emerged earlier that The prime minister and or the Malaysian government is ‘in collusion’ with Israel, Anwar said, “What kind of politics is this, fooling the people, slander, in the name of Islam, these are called religious riders who do not know how to comment”
“Such accusations are baseless and are slander that are deliberately created by certain parties for narrow political interests,” he further said.
“Those who spread this slander do not understand the context of international politics, or maybe they are deliberately looking for reasons to distort the facts for a particular purpose. I want the people to understand that Malaysia continues to adhere to the principle of justice for Palestine,” added Anwar.
