Malaysia reaffirms non-recognition of Israeli occupation after recalling its ambassador to Washington

Kuala Lumpur, July 24 (KUNA) -- Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan reaffirmed on Friday his country’s adherence to its policy of not recognizing the Israeli occupation and of barring its citizens from entering Israeli-occupied territories, following the summoning by the U.S. State Department of Malaysian Ambassador to the United States Mohd Yakub to seek clarifications on this policy.

In a press statement, Hasan said that the Malaysian ambassador informed U.S. officials that “Malaysia’s policy is longstanding and fixed, and does not represent a new measure taken by the government of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.” He clarified that “Malaysian immigration laws do not recognize the occupation, and Kuala Lumpur does not maintain diplomatic relations with it,” emphasizing that “the ban on entry for Israeli citizens is a long-standing policy, not a new decision linked to the current government.”

Hasnan revealed that an individual holding both U.S. and Israeli citizenship had entered Malaysia using his U.S. passport, but authorities discovered during verification procedures that he also held Israeli citizenship. The Malaysian government subsequently requested that the individual leave the country after confirming his second nationality.

In response, eight Democratic members of the U.S. House of Representatives sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, urging him to give Malaysia 15 days to change its policy toward the occupation. They called for suspending the International Military Education and Training (IMET) program, which is designated for training Malaysian military personnel in the United States, unless Kuala Lumpur reverses its ban on entry for Israeli citizens. The lawmakers also called for a review of U.S.-Malaysian security and economic ties, accusing the Malaysian government of “targeting Israelis.” Additionally, the lawmakers raised allegations concerning ties with Hamas and the training of its members within Malaysia. (End)