The below is a series of recent reports on Israel in Malaysia. I found it important to learn about its complex nature of the matter. As for this topic, please refer to my previous posting dated 7 February 2012 (http://d.hatena.ne.jp/itunalily2/20120207). (Lily)
Malaysiakini(http://www.malaysiakini.com)
(1) Muhyiddin wants Anwar to explain statements on Israel, 28 January 2012
Muhyiddin Yassin today asked Anwar Ibrahim to come forward and explain his commitment to defend the security of Israel, which the opposition leader had stated in an interview with the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) yesterday.
The deputy prime minister asked whether the stand by the PKR de facto leader meant that he placed more importance on Israel than the Palestinians who were being oppressed by the Israelis.
"Is this the stand of the opposition Pakatan coalition, when the government does not even have diplomatic relations with Israel," he told reporters after making a visit to Kampung Kebun Baru in Jementah, Muar today.
Muhyiddin said this when asked to comment on the remarks made by Anwar in the WSJ interview, where he (Anwar) openly stated that he would defend the security of Israel.
"The Barisan Nasional regrets this statement by Anwar," he said.
The Malaysian government, he said, was also very disappointed that the peace talks between Israel and Palestine had yet to bear fruit although they had been going on for a long time.
Anwar says he backs two-state solution
In a press statement late this evening, Anwar said that he supports Malaysia's two-state solution as stated by the country's foreign minister in United Nations last year:
"...Malaysia fully supports the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people for an independent State of Palestine, based on the two-state solution, taking into account the security concerns of both parties (Israel and Palestine)."
On another matter, Muhyiddin urged eligible applicants who had not received the RM500 aid under the Bantuan Rakyat 1 Malaysia (BR1M) initiative to be patient.
"The government hopes to resolve this as quickly as possible," he said, adding that those whose applications were rejected could make appeals.
(2) Anwar: Gov't supports Israel-Palestine states, too, 29 January 2012
Opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim today said that while he has been accused of supporting the security of Israel, the Malaysian government too supports the Jewish state, and its stance is similar to his.
He said this support is contingent on the creation of an independent Palestine state and respecting the rights of its people based on the two state-solution.
Quoting Foreign Minister Anifah Aman's (left) statement at the United Nations General Assembly last year, he pointed out that Anifah had said: "Malaysia fully supports the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people for an independent State of Palestine, based on the two-state solution, taking into account the security concerns of both parties (Israel and Palestine)."
"Clearly from the foreign minister's statement, Malaysia's policy is of preparedness to respect the rights of the Palestinians and Israelis to live in peace based on the guarantee that the rights of the Palestinians are not violated," said Anwar in a statement yesterday.
Anwar blasted quarters who had accused him of betraying the Palestinian cause, stressing that if a Palestinian state is allowed, then the rights of Israel should also be respected.
"I give a stern warning to any quarters who try to twist my words to slander me that I supposedly have betrayed the aspirations of the Palestinian people," he said.
Yesterday, Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin called on Anwar to explain his alleged commitment to uphold Israel's security.
This follows Anwar's Thursday interview in the Wall Street Journal which reported him as saying that he supported efforts to protect Israel's security but any relation with the Jewish state depends on its willingness to respect the Palestinian aspirations.
Anifah: Anwar's statement 'pathetic'
Meanwhile in a Bernama report Anifah said today that Anwar’s statement expressing his full support for all actions to safeguard the security of Israel was pathetic, an embarrassment and should be condemned
He said such a remark clearly reflected the Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) adviser's acceptance and support for all the actions by Israel against the Palestinian people.
He said the actions defined by Israel as necessary to safeguard the security of its country include massive military attacks on Gaza, indiscriminate arrests and detention of Palestinians, killing of Palestinians including their leaders through bomb and missile attacks, and implementation of policies which suppress and victimise the Palestinians such as confiscation of Palestinian homes and building of illegal settlements by the Israelis on Palestinian land.
"The Malaysian government has never supported any of these actions. In fact, together with the international community, it criticises and strongly condemns such actions which clearly violate international law," said Anifah in a statement today.
He said the Malaysian government's stand for the best solution to the conflict between Palestine and Israel was through negotiations to ensure lasting regional peace, security and stability.
"Malaysia calls on all quarters to find a comprehensive solution which is fair and just based on the roadmap and resolutions of the United Nations Security Council where both countries can live next to each other in peace and harmony," he added.
He said Anwar's remark was merely to win back the support of the Jews and Israel's supporters among the international community in facing the coming general election.
"As we all know, Anwar's statement in the Dewan Rakyat in March 2010, that the 1Malaysia concept was copied from the Zionist regime had drawn criticism from Jewish leaders.
"With the statement made by Anwar to the Wall Street Journal, his principle and stand on the Palestinian issue are now clear and I believe the people will be able to judge for themselves," he added.
(3) Anwar's remarks on Israel to be raised in Parliament, 29 January 2012
by Nigel Aw
Claims by opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim that Foreign Minister Anifah Aman, like himself, had made statements supporting the security of Israel, will be questioned by Perkasa chief Ibrahim Ali in Parliament.
"We'll clarify that in the coming Parliament sitting in March, I will raise the matter, if this is what he (Anwar) claims," he said today.
Ibrahim was responding to Anwar's defence that his statement supporting Israel's security on condition that it respects Palestine's rights to statehood in a Wall Street Journal interview on Thursday was similar to Malaysia's foreign policy.
However, Ibrahim was adamant that this was untrue, stating: "I have never come across a statement on foreign policy by the Foreign Ministry... Our country fights for Palestine but we have never touched on Israel."
In a statement today, Anwar defended himself by quoting Anifah who had at the United Nations General Assembly last year said: "Malaysia fully supports the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people for an independent State of Palestine, based on the two-state solution, taking into account the security concerns of both parties (Israel and Palestine)."
He also blasted Anwar, claiming that the latter would often blame others for his own mistakes.
‘Anwar appeasing Americans'
"Anwar is only saying this to satisfy American foreign policy because he has no choice, he needs American support politically, he is already out of the Islamic fight," he said.
"It's time to forget about Anwar, we have to move ahead for our future. Anwar is only an individual, leaders come and leaders go but Malaysia is more important. For me, I consider Anwar as politically dead, he is no longer relevant."
Meanwhile, asked about the lower than expected turnout at the Penang rally organised by anti-apostasy group Himpun, Ibrahim said it should not be construed that the movement lacked support.
"There is always the silent majority, especially the Malays and Muslims who support it," he said.
(4) Dr M lambasts Anwar over comments on Israel, 30 January 2012
by Aidila Razak
Former prime minister and strong proponent of the Palestinian cause, Dr Mahathir Mohamad, today lashed out at his former deputy, Anwar Ibrahim, for wanting to protect Israel’s security.
Mahathir said he was “disappointed” with the de facto PKR leader, but he was “not surprised”.
“He is close to Israel. His friends are all Jewish... I am not surprised as he is friendly with the members of the US congress and senate who are of Jewish origin,” he told reporters in Putrajaya.
Mahathir, who admitted to having once been "trapped by Anwar's pious appearance" said that proof of the latter's pro-Jew stance was his close relations with the former World Bank president Paul Wolfowitz, who is a Jew.
"When Anwar came out of prison he went straight to Munich and had a three-hour discussion with Wolfowitz," he said after speaking in the second instalment of the Razak Lecture Series.
The former PM also denounced Anwar's explanation that he was a proponent of a two-state solution as "an afterthought".
"No, he is supporting Israel's safety and is not thinking of the safety of the Palestinians," Mahathir said of Anwar's interview with the Wall Street Journal.
Agitatedly, he added that the Permatang Pauh MP never spoke of the plight of the Palestinians who faced death every day and the thousands of Palestinians in Israeli jails.
'Our name is in the mud in Indonesia'
He also lambasted the opposition leader for changing his tune to win support so he could be in power.
"To the Indians he says he supports Hindraf, to the Chinese he says he will abolish affirmative action and for the Malays, he puts on a pious image," Mahathir said.
He added that Anwar's constant cry that Pakatan Rakyat would take over Putrajaya showed that he was only interested in the prime minister's post, to the extent of badmouthing Malaysia abroad.
"Our name is in the mud in Indonesia because of him... but he forgets that he needs the support of Malaysians to be elected," Mahathir added.
(5) Nik Aziz wants Anwar's explanation over Israel, 31 January 2012
PAS spiritual leader Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat has called on opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim to explain his support of a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine.
Anwar’s explanation, he said, was necessary because many slanders had been flung around, according to an Utusan Malaysia report today.
“All this while, too many slanders had been aimed at Anwar. Therefore it would be best for him to explain,” he was quoted as saying.
Nik Aziz was responding to Anwar’s interview in the Wall Street Journal on Jan 26 where he expressed support for Israel’s security on condition it respects Palestinian aspirations.
Meanwhile, in a separate report today, Selangor PAS deputy commissioner Khalid Samad said Anwar’s statement may be his personal view.
“Policy-wise, PAS does not recognise the state of Israel which was founded illegally through violence by grabbing Palestianian lands and rights,” he was quoted as saying.
He added that the three parties in Pakatan Rakyat may have differing foreign policy views.
In another report by the daily, Palestine ambassador to Malaysia Abdelaziz Abughoush said his government was surprised over Anwar’s statement.
“Israel has over 200 nuclear warheads and an army equipped with state-of-the-art weapons.
“Which side should get security protection, the invaders or the Palestinians who are oppressed on a daily basis and subjected to inhumane restrictions?” he was quoted as saying.
(6) Mahathir a pot calling kettle pro-Jewish, says PKR, 31 January 2012
Former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s vocal stand against Zionists and the West contradicts his own close association with them while he was in power, said PKR today.
“Mahathir may seem to be vocal in opposing Zionists and the West but actually had the closest connections with them, to the point of signing a secret military agreement with America in 1984 - the Bilateral Training and Consultation Agreement (Bitac) - that allowed America to hold their military training in Malaysia,” said PKR’s Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad.
The party communications director was responding to Mahathir’s attack yesterday on PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim’s “pro-Jew” stance and the latter’s alleged “close relations with the former World Bank president Paul Wolfowitz, who is a Jew”.
He said that the long-time former PM, after he had ruined Malaysia’s name abroad with Anwar’s sacking, had allegedly paid Zionist lobbyist Jack Abramoff up to USD1.2 million to arrange a meeting with former US president George W Bush.
“Mahathir himself had admitted to the fact,” said Nik Nazmi in a statement. Abramoff, he said, was close to Bush and to a group of extremists in Israel.
“According to Newsweek, funds from Abramoff’s lobbying was channeled to Jewish residents who opposed the Palestinian state...
“After that, Bush considered Malaysia an ally in his war against terrorism and Malaysia used that as grounds to detain whoever was necessary under ISA, including opposition leaders who were accused of being terrorists,” he said.
Nik Nazmi said Mahathir was merely acting out a grudge against Anwar, that he and Umno were jumping from one scandal to another against the PKR de facto leader.
The war of words follows Anwar's Thursday interview in the Wall Street Journal that reported him saying that he supported efforts to protect Israel's security, but that any relation with the Jewish state depends on its willingness to respect the Palestinian aspirations.
Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin took the cue to slam Anwar and Pakatan for being pro-Israel.
Nik Nazmi however stressed, “Anwar has explained that his statement in Wall Street Journal was distorted by Umno and the media ... they (Umno) themselves support the two state solution, that is also accepted by the Arab peace initiative, Malaysia and even Hamas, the Palestinian freedom fighters.”
(6) Muhyiddin doesn't rule out Jewish interference, 2 February 2012
by Bernama
Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin does not rule out the posibility that the statement by Anwar Ibrahim supporting efforts to protect Israel’s security as an attempt to invite the Jewish state and the United States (US) to interfere in Malaysian politics.
He said there might be some truth when the Malaysian Council of Former Elected Representatives (Mubarak) considered the statement by the opposition leader as an attempt to gain Jewish support for 13th general election.
“That statement by Mubarak may be true. Until today, Anwar can’t explain the actual situation while coalition member PAS questions it,” he said after opening a function to enhance the professionalism of Kelantan educators at the Kelantan Poverty Foundation Complex in Peringat near Kota Baru today.
Muhyiddin said this when commenting on a statement by Mubarak information chief Abdul Rahman Sulaiman that in his observation there were signs of foreign interference in Malaysian politics and Anwar’s statement proves that there are efforts to involve foreign powers, especially the Jewish regime and its ally the US.
Anwar had reportedly supported efforts to safeguard the safety of Israel in an interview with The Wall Street Journal.
“I don’t hear a statement from DAP leaders. This shows that the statement may not get support or there is contradiction on what Anwar Ibrahim said,” Muhyiddin, who is also Education Minister, said.
He said anyone could interpret Anwar’s statement and media reports showed that various parties found the statement not only in conflict with the country’s foreign policy on Israel and Palestine, but many felt that he dismissed the Islamic struggle and right of Palestinians to determine their own future.
“This may imply that if Anwar Ibrahim takes over the government, will he change the stand on Israel and Palestine or use advisers who can help him in this or will he accommodate the demands and sentiments of parties in US? This I simply don’t know,” he added.
- Bernama
(7) 'Johor companies trading palm oil with Israelis', 8 February 2012
by Susan Loone
Contrary to Malaysia’s pro-Palestine campaign, a youth group has alleged that Johor companies have been trading palm oil with their Israeli counterparts.
According to Solidariti Anak Muda Malaysia (SAMM) chief Badrul Hisham Shaharin, two companies in Johor have been allegedly exporting palm oil to Israel via Tanjung Pelepas and Pasir Gudang.
The palm oil is shipped to one of Israel’s largest ports, Ashdod, said Badrul, popularly known as blogger Chegubard.
Chegubard said he has Customs forms and booking confirmations of the Johor palm oil exporting companies to back his allegations.
“We even have photographic proof that an Israeli government official has come to Johor to inspect the palm oil shipment before being shipped to Israel,” he claimed.
“By right, this is against the law as we do not have diplomatic ties with Israel,” he added.
Chegubard said SAMM is sending a letter to the Ministry of International Trade and Industry about his findings and hoped that he will receive a truthful and immediate response.
He added that if he does not receive a proper response immediately, SAMM will proceed in two weeks’ time with the revelation and publication of the documents to prove to the public that the Malaysian government was “cheating” its citizens.
“They claim to be heroes of Palestinians. They blame others for being pro-Israel but these documents prove that the Malaysian government is an ally to Israel, and is contributing to their economy,” he told reporters in Komtar today.
“They are traitors to the country, if this is true. Pretending to be heroes of Palestinians but in actual fact, aiding Israel,” he said, adding that the group would continue to seek for revealing documents and publish them to raise the awareness of citizens on the hypocrisy of BN-Umno government.
SAMM’s allegation is a backlash to BN, especially Umno’s attack on Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim of being an agent of Israel.
Anwar’s recent statement on Israel has kicked up a storm within the Muslim community with Umno leaders bashing the PKR supremo for his pro-Israel stance, which was published in an international newspaper.
Anwar has denied the allegations, saying his remarks were taken out of context.
In Nov 7 last year, MITI, in a written reply to Bakri MP Er Tech Hwa in Parliament, had said that Malaysia did not have any trade relations with Israel as trade was prohibited under the 1967 Customs Act (revised 2008).
Report: M'sia is one of top 15 trading partners with Israel
However, a European Commission of Trade, European Union report on June 8 last year revealed that Malaysia remains one of the top 15 out of 50 trading partners of Israel.
On Nov 9, MITI deputy minister Mukhriz Mahathir, in his speech during the 2012 Budget debate, had said that a cabinet meeting had approved applications by multinationals to carry out export-import transactions with Israel.
“This raises the question whether the country is facing a big crisis where legal provisions are set aside with one decision from the cabinet,” Er had then said in a statement.
In a related development, Chegubard claimed that documents in his possession revealed that Malaysia has been exporting no less than 100 tonnes of palm oil monthly with Israel.
These transactions have been going on for not less than a year, he noted.
“What is more surprising is that on one of the companies’ websites, it is mentioned that one of the companies supplying the palm oil is Felda,” he said.
“MITI says that only MNCs are allowed to trade with Israel, but what about these two local companies?” he questioned.
（End）
