Malaysia's Action Against Israelis Consistent With Policy - Defence Minister

JOHOR BAHRU (Johor, Malaysia), July 25 (Bernama) -- Malaysia's decision to expel Israeli nationals is consistent with its longstanding policy of not recognising Israel as a state, Malaysia’s Defence Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin said.

He said Malaysia remained firm in its position and that any enforcement action taken was in line with the implementation of the policy.

“What happened (the expulsion) was to ensure that no Israeli nationals were involved in the Network School.

“Our policy has always been clear. We do not allow Israelis to enter the country,” he told reporters after opening the Pasir Gudang (township in Johor Bahru) UMNO (United Malay National Organisation) division delegates meeting here on Saturday.

Mohamed Khaled was responding to questions on the expulsion of Israeli nationals and calls by members of the United States Congress to halt funding for the International Military Education and Training (IMET) programme for Malaysia.

Mohamed Khaled said Malaysia's firm implementation of the policy had not affected funding under the IMET programme.

“Our policy is simply that we do not recognise the State of Israel. If members of Congress want to make such demands, that is a matter between them and their government,” he said.

Recently, eight members of the US Congress urged the administration to review its security and economic ties with Malaysia following action taken against an Israeli national who allegedly entered the country using a passport issued by a second country.

In a letter to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio dated July 21, the lawmakers also urged Washington to consider suspending IMET funding if Malaysia did not change its position within 15 days.

Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has said the government would not compromise and would expel any Israeli national found in Malaysia, in line with the country's longstanding policy of not recognising Israel.

He also said all security agencies were conducting a thorough investigation into allegations that Israeli nationals had entered Malaysia in connection with the Network School issue in Forest City.
-- BERNAMA