PUTRAJAYA: The cabinet has decided Malaysia will not host any programme or event, including sports tournaments, which involved Israeli participation.
Foreign Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah said this was one of two key decisions made by the cabinet two weeks ago regarding Malaysia and Israel ties.
The other decision would be to not allow representatives from Israel to enter this country for any event, either of international level, sports or any other programme.
“Before the new government, it was learnt three cabinet meetings were held with important decisions made regarding Malaysia and Israel ties.
“In regards to the cabinet’s decision made two weeks ago, I can say it is the most firm (relating to Malaysia and Israel ties),” he said.
Saifuddin was speaking to reporters after receiving a memorandum from 43 non-governmental organisations (NGOs) supporting the freedom for Palestine movement.
The memorandum was passed to him by Boycott Divestment Sanctions (BDS) Malaysia chairman Professor Dr Mohd Nazari Ismail who had expressed support towards the government’s decision of not allowing Israeli athletes into Malaysia.
Last week, Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad had said Malaysia would not allow Israeli athletes to compete in the 2019 World Para Swimming Championships in Kuching, scheduled to take place from July 29 to Aug 4.
Malaysia’s decision to bar Israeli athletes from taking part in the championship had resulted in objections from the Israeli Olympic Committee which had continuously been piling the pressure for their athletes to be granted visas to compete. The championship is vital for qualification for the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games.
The Malaysian Paralympic Council, as the championships’ organisers, are said to be facing a tough situation following the ban on Israeli athletes.
On another matter, Saifuddin said ties between Malaysia and Singapore remained good despite issues and disputes between the countries.
He said discussions on issues, including airspace and maritime boundaries between the two countries, were still being carried out.
“We have certain issues which have to be discussed with our Singaporean counterparts. What is important is that for such discussions to continue... we are on the right track.
“Aside from myself, Economic Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali, Transport Minister Anthony Loke, Foreign Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Muhammad Shahrul Ikram Yaakob and Attorney-General Tommy Thomas will continue having discussions (with Singapore).
“We will fast track such discussions, but we will not compromise on our rights and the country’s sovereignty. Continuous discussions are being held between the two countries and this is very important,” he added.
Saifuddin was commenting on a statement by Singapore Foreign Minister Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, who had described the ties between Malaysia and Singapore to be at a “very worrying” level following disputes involving airspace and maritime boundaries.