KUALA LUMPUR – Government spokesperson Fahmi Fadzil has reiterated Malaysia’s non-recognition of Israel, condemning individuals who have circulated manipulated clips of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s recent CNN interview.
Fahmi asserted that the clips, which were selectively cropped to imply that Putrajaya recognises Israel, were misleading. He stressed that those responsible for manipulating the footage had “made a mistake” and would “never be happy, no matter what we do”.
“If you look at (Anwar’s) statement (during the interview) as a whole, he mentioned Malaysia’s firm stance on protecting Palestine. Until now, we have never afforded Israel recognition,” the communications minister, said at a post-cabinet meeting press conference in Putrajaya today.
“(Putrajaya’s) two-state solution approach is not a stance that was made today or yesterday; it’s something that has been adhered to by former prime ministers since 2002.”
Fahmi pointed out that Anwar had previously informed the Parliament’s intention to propose a motion at the United Nations to expel Israel as a member, noting that this context was “unfairly” omitted by those sharing the manipulated clips.
He also revealed plans to ask the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission to review online content related to the matter, warning that action will be taken based on existing laws if any violations are found.
“While the government has no desire to prevent anyone, especially the media, from producing reports, we have to be careful in entertaining speculations or interpreting speculations as facts.
“Reprimands have been made several times, but if needed, we will consider taking sterner action,” he said, referring to Anwar’s earlier statement on Malaysia’s pro-Palestine stance in a meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
A snippet of Anwar’s interview with CNN’s Richard Quest recently circulated on social media, with particular focus on Anwar’s affirmative response when asked whether he accepts Israel’s right to exist and defend itself. – November 15, 2024