Malaysia reaffirms refusal to recognise Israel despite US pressure

Malaysia has reaffirmed its longstanding policy of not recognising Israel, insisting the position remains unchanged despite growing pressure from the United States and calls by members of the US Congress to review security and economic ties with Kuala Lumpur.

Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan said Malaysia’s ambassador to the United States, Muhammad Shahrul Ikram Yaakob, explained the country’s position after being summoned by the US State Department. He said Malaysia’s policy towards Israel was not a new stance or a response to recent developments, but a long-established official policy maintained by successive governments.

According to the Malaysian national news agency Bernama, Hasan said Malaysia was handling the issue in line with its longstanding policies.

“It has always been Malaysia’s policy. Our immigration policy does not recognise the State of Israel or the Zionist regime. This has long been our position,” he said.

Malaysia is one of the leading Muslim-majority countries that does not have diplomatic relations with Israel. It also bars Israeli passport holders from entering the country as part of its declared support for the Palestinian cause.

The foreign minister’s remarks came days after Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim reaffirmed on 15 July his government’s commitment to its policy of not recognising Israel.

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