Malaysia: no Israel

Malaysia’s foreign minister has said the Muslim-majority country will not host any more events involving Israel, as he reiterated that swimmers from the Jewish state were barred from a forthcoming competition.

Malaysia is one of several predominantly Muslim states that have no formal diplomatic ties with Israel, with entry to the country on an Israeli passport forbidden.

Last week Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said Israeli swimmers would not be allowed in for a tournament later this year in eastern Sarawak state, which will serve as a qualifying event for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics.

Despite a plea from the International Paralympic Committee to find a solution to the row, Foreign Minister Saifuddin Abdullah doubled down on Malaysia’s opposition to the Jewish state.

The cabinet has decided that “Malaysia will not host any event which has Israel participation or representation,” he said. “This is a decision by the government to demonstrate our tough stance over the issue of Israel.”

The Palestinian cause has widespread support in Malaysia, with thousands taking to the streets in protest when US President Donald Trump recognised Jerusalem as Israel’s capital in 2017. –

Malaysia will not host any event which has Israel participation