Malaysia has never recognised Israel and remains steadfast in defending the nation’s sovereignty against any form of threat or foreign interference, says Minister Zulkifli Hasan.
PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia has never recognised Israel and remains steadfast in defending the nation’s sovereignty against any form of threat or foreign interference, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Zulkifli Hasan said.
He said the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) fully supports Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s firm stance in upholding the country’s foreign policy, which is based on sovereignty, the principles of international law and humanitarian values.
In a statement today, he said the Prime Minister’s position is consistent with Malaysia’s unwavering support for the oppressed Palestinian people.
“Malaysia has never recognised the illegal Israeli entity, has no diplomatic relations with it, and sees no necessity to do so.
“Our country must continue to uphold an independent, non-aligned and principled foreign policy — maintaining friendly relations with all sovereign nations while remaining courageous in speaking out whenever human rights and international law are violated,” he said.
He said the letter from eight United States members of Congress urging US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to take action based on baseless allegations was a clear sign of foreign interference that challenged Malaysia’s sovereignty.
“As Malaysians, we pledge to stand firmly behind the leadership of the Prime Minister as the country’s leader and a champion of universal human rights.
“We are united and steadfast in defending Malaysia’s dignity, freedom and sovereignty against any form of threat or foreign interference,” he said.
Earlier today, the Prime Minister reaffirmed that Malaysia would continue to bar Israeli citizens from entering the country despite objections raised by eight US members of Congress.
Anwar said the position is based on the principle of defending the people’s rights and opposing the oppression, suppression and continued killings of Palestinians in Gaza.
The eight members of the US Congress sent a letter to the US Secretary of State expressing their dissatisfaction with Anwar’s firm stance calling for the immediate expulsion of any Israelis found in Malaysia.
The eight Democratic members of Congress are Greg Landsman, Josh Gottheimer, Jimmy Panetta, Dan Goldman, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Jared Moskowitz, Brad Sherman and Jake Auchincloss.
