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Malaysia PM rejects US lawmakers’ threat over Israeli entry ban

Anwar Ibrahim said Malaysia’s policy has been in place for decades and that the country controls entry as a matter of sovereignty.

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Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim rejected a demand from eight US lawmakers to reverse Malaysia’s restrictions on Israeli nationals, saying the policy is longstanding and falls under the country’s right to control entry. According to coverage by the SCMP Economy, the lawmakers had threatened to suspend military training funds unless Kuala Lumpur changes its approach to allowing Israeli citizens in Malaysia. The Reuters? source text states Malaysia has no diplomatic relations with Israel and has supported Palestinian statehood for years, framing the issue as one of national policy rather than international obligations.

Anwar also dismissed claims that Malaysia is violating international law after pledging to deport Israeli citizens, including dual nationals, who are found living in the country. He said Malaysia is against the presence of Israeli citizens, citing their alleged role in ongoing conditions related to Palestine and Gaza.

Speaking to reporters in Seremban, Anwar called the US lawmakers’ position “totally absurd,” adding that Malaysia has adopted the policy for decades. He said his government is exercising sovereignty and is not persuaded by the lawmakers’ characterization of Malaysia’s actions.

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