Zahid: DAP's statement on Israel not in line with Malaysia's stand

Ahmad Zahid

KUALA LUMPUR: DAP's criticism of an official move to deny visas for two Israeli athletes was not in line with Malaysia's policy, the Deputy Prime Minister said.   

"We have a clear stand from the angle of diplomatic relations with Israel and the remark by DAP is something against our policy," Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi told reporters here Monday.

He added that the party's view was not in line with national sensitivities.  

Two Israeli windsurfers were to compete at the International Sailing Federation world youth championships in Langkawi, which began Sunday.   

Online reports said that the two were originally subject to demands by Malaysia to restrict the use of Israeli flags and symbols.   

Malaysia does not have diplomatic ties with Israel, and also regularly condemns it over its attacks on Palestinians there.   

Reports of the athletes being denied entry visas followed with Perak DAP leader Chong Zhemin criticising the move.   

Chong later retracted his statement and expressed support for the Palestinian struggle.