Malaysia has firmly denied allegations that the country serves as a training base for Hamas, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi confirmed.
Dr Ahmad Zahid emphasized that the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), particularly its Special Branch, continuously monitors all aspects of national security. “There is no such base, and certainly no Hamas training facilities in Malaysia. This claim has been denied by the Inspector-General of Police,” he said. He added that PDRM operates a counter-terrorism monitoring unit, known as E9, which has been active even during his tenure as Home Minister.
The Deputy Prime Minister made the remarks after a visit to Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) Malaysia France Institute (MFI).
The statement comes a day after PDRM refuted claims by former U.S. Department of Treasury terrorism analyst Jonathan Schanzer, who alleged on social media that Malaysia had become a Hamas operational hub. Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail reiterated that while the Palestinian struggle is close to the hearts of Malaysian Muslims, the country maintains strong diplomatic relations with the United States and other nations.
Dr Ahmad Zahid stressed that Malaysia’s security agencies are vigilant, and it is impossible for the country to serve as a base for Hamas activities.
