23.07.2026 16:51
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has strongly reacted to criticism from US Congress members regarding Kuala Lumpur's decision to deport Israeli citizens in the country. Rejecting US sanctions implications, Anwar stated that the decision is a decades-old state policy, saying, "Threats will not deter us; I will continue to defend the rights of the Malaysian people."
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has strongly responded to US Congress members' criticism of the Kuala Lumpur administration's decision to deport Israeli citizens in the country. Stating that the ban on Israeli entry and deportation is a decades-old state policy, Anwar said they will not bow to pressure and threats from the US.
According to a report by the Bernama agency, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, answering questions from the press after a program he attended in Seremban city, emphasized that support for the Palestinian people will continue with determination.
"THEY CAN THREATEN, I WILL UPHOLD THE DECISION"
Highlighting the civilian deaths and occupation in Gaza, Anwar stated that the Malaysian government's stance on deporting Israelis is a humanitarian and political responsibility. Assessing the criticisms from the US Congress, Anwar said: "Many members of the US Congress have criticized me for Malaysia's decision to block the entry of Israelis and their participation in company-related activities. This will not deter us. They may convey threats, but I will defend the rights of the Malaysian people and the government will maintain the decision to ban Israeli citizens from entering the country."
The Malaysian Prime Minister, noting that representatives in the US remain silent on human rights violations in Palestine, expressed his reaction by saying, "How can elected representatives in that country remain silent on the killing of children, civilians, and women, the destruction of homes, and the occupation of lands?"
US CALLS FOR "REVIEW OF RELATIONS"
The crisis escalated with a statement by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on July 15. Anwar announced that Israeli citizens found in Malaysia, even if they hold citizenship of another country, would be immediately deported.
Following this decision, a group of US Congress members, including Greg Landsman, Josh Gottheimer, Jimmy Panetta, and Brad Sherman, sent a letter to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on July 21. In the letter, the Congress members condemned Malaysia's decision and demanded that the Washington administration review economic and security relations with Kuala Lumpur.
The Kuala Lumpur administration, however, argues that this stance is entirely Malaysia's sovereign right and should not negatively impact bilateral relations with the US.