The US Department of State summoned Malaysia’s ambassador to address the country’s longstanding policy of not recognizing Israel, according to reports from Malaysian state news agency Bernama.
Malaysia’s Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan stated that Ambassador Muhammad Shahrul Ikram Yaakob communicated to US officials that Malaysia’s position on non-recognition of Israel has been consistent for years. Hasan explained that Malaysia’s immigration policy does not recognize the State of Israel or what the government refers to as the Zionist regime. The minister referenced an incident involving an individual holding dual US-Israeli citizenship who entered Malaysia using a US passport but was subsequently asked to leave after authorities discovered his Israeli citizenship.
The diplomatic tension arose following controversy surrounding the Network School, a digital nomad community founded by US investor Balaji Srinivasan. Social media users claimed the school included participants from Israel, prompting Malaysian authorities to investigate. Although officials determined all participants possessed valid travel documents, the school was shut down. Following this closure, eight US congressional members sent a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressing concern about Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s stated intention to track and deport Israeli citizens.
Ibrahim responded by reaffirming Malaysia’s commitment to its policy prohibiting Israeli nationals from entering the country. He stated that Malaysia’s position is guided by support for Palestinian rights and opposition to what he characterized as oppression and killing in Gaza. The prime minister indicated that congressional pressure would not influence the government’s decision.
The US congressmen subsequently urged the State Department to review economic and security arrangements with Malaysia. They specifically called for suspension of funding to the International Military Education and Training programme, which provides professional military training to Malaysian personnel, unless Malaysia reverses its policy within 15 days.
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