Malaysia's Anwar rejects 'absurd' US lawmakers' demand to lift Israel ban
PM stands firm on decades-old policy, calling accusations 'totally absurd'
Eight US lawmakers — Greg Landsman, Josh Gottheimer, Jimmy Panetta, Dan Goldman, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Jared Moskowitz, Brad Sherman, and Jake Auchincloss — sent a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio accusing Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim of vowing to 'hunt down and expel' Israeli citizens solely because of their nationality. They threatened to suspend military training funds unless Malaysia lifts its restrictions on Israeli nationals, arguing the policy violates international law.
Anwar retorted the demand is 'totally absurd,' noting the policy has been in place for decades and is a sovereign matter. Muslim-majority Malaysia has no diplomatic relations with Israel and is a vocal supporter of Palestinian statehood. Anwar emphasized the restriction applies to Israeli citizens, not Jews, citing Israel's 'murders, crimes and continuous oppression and colonisation of Palestine and Gaza.' The confrontation highlights growing friction between Washington and Kuala Lumpur over Middle East policy.
- Eight US Democratic lawmakers sent a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio threatening to suspend military training funds
- Malaysia has maintained a ban on Israeli nationals for decades with no diplomatic relations with Israel
- Anwar asserts sovereign right to control entry, denying violation of international law
Why It Matters
Escalating US-Malaysia tensions could impact regional security cooperation and Southeast Asian diplomatic balances.