The Malaysian government has strongly rebuked eight United States (US) members of Congress for criticising Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s stance on deporting Israeli nationals, saying the lawmakers should not interfere in Malaysia’s internal affairs.
Government spokesperson and Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil described the move as “rude” and said Malaysia would deliver a clear message to the US Embassy that the country’s immigration policies are a matter of national sovereignty.
“We will send a very clear message to the US Embassy: Do not interfere in Malaysia’s internal affairs, including our immigration matters,” Fahmi said on Wednesday.
“We will not remain silent. Malaysia is a sovereign nation. If any individual is found to have violated our laws or immigration conditions, we have the authority and the right to expel or deport them,” he added.
Fahmi made the remarks after visiting a kompang and traditional gasing training session in Felda Kepis alongside Pakatan Harapan’s Senaling state election candidate, Mohd Hanis Alimin.
His comments came after Anwar said the government would deport any Israeli national found to be living in Malaysia if allegations that they held dual citizenship and were residing in the country were proven to be true.
The issue emerged after the Johor government called for an investigation into Network School, a technology community based in Forest City, following claims that several Israeli nationals with dual citizenship were living there.
Following Anwar’s remarks, eight Democratic members of the US Congress sent a letter to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, expressing concern over the Prime Minister’s position and urging the US government to respond.
The lawmakers — Greg Landsman, Josh Gottheimer, Jimmy Panetta, Dan Goldman, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Jared Moskowitz, Brad Sherman and Jake Auchincloss — claimed Anwar’s remarks appeared to be antisemitic.
Responding to the criticism, Fahmi reiterated that the Malaysian government would not compromise on issues involving national sovereignty or immigration enforcement.
He said the Cabinet had reaffirmed its firm stance during Wednesday’s meeting and stressed that foreign governments should not interfere in Malaysia’s domestic affairs.
Meanwhile, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail informed the Cabinet that investigations are ongoing into 11 individuals believed to possess dual citizenship in connection with the Network School issue.
Fahmi said investigations by the Immigration Department and the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) have so far found no offences committed by the organisation.
He also revealed that, based on the latest findings, authorities have not identified any Israeli citizens among the 266 individuals questioned and inspected during the investigation, although inquiries are continuing.
