Anwar’s firm decision to deport Israeli citizens found in Malaysia triggers reaction from US lawmakers
Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s vow not to allow Israeli citizens to stay in Malaysia and to deport them if found in the country has drawn the attention of US lawmakers.
The lawmakers described Anwar’s remarks as “totally unacceptable”, saying it was wrong for a head of government to publicly declare that his country would hunt down and expel citizens of a “close US ally” solely based on their nationality.
They urged secretary of state Marco Rubio to review Washington’s security and economic ties with Malaysia, including considering the suspension of US military training funding
In a letter dated July 21, the House Democrats, led by Ohio congressman Greg Landsman, said Malaysia’s refusal to recognise Israel was “troubling enough”.
“It is totally unacceptable that a head of government has publicly declared that his country will hunt down and expel citizens of our close ally based solely on their nationality. It should not be underwritten by the American taxpayer,” they said according to a report by FMT.
The letter was also signed by Josh Gottheimer (New Jersey), Jimmy Panetta (California), Dan Goldman (New York), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (Florida), Jared Moskowitz (Florida), Brad Sherman (California) and Jake Auchincloss (Massachusetts).
The lawmakers pointed to US security assistance provided to Malaysia, including the International Military Education and Training (Imet) programme which funds professional training for Malaysian military personnel.
They also alleged that Hamas members had trained in Malaysia, citing a report by an Israeli counter-terrorism research institute, and accused Putrajaya of “welcoming terrorists while targeting Jews”.
“Given these points of diplomatic leverage, we believe the US should make clear to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and his government that, with our aid and support, comes an expectation that they won’t target the nationals of one of our closest allies,” they said.