KUALA LUMPUR: Any Israeli nationals found to be involved in the Network School, Forest City, will be deported immediately if investigations confirm their presence, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Stressing that Malaysia does not recognise Israel, Anwar said relevant authorities are investigating allegations involving the participation of Israeli nationals in the programme.
“The matter has been left to the relevant agencies, and I believe the Higher Education Minister will explain.
“If any wrongdoing is found, action must be taken. If there are Israeli nationals involved, they will be deported immediately because Malaysia does not recognise Israel.
“We are investigating the matter, and we will not allow it,” he said.
Anwar said this when met by reporters on Wednesday (July 15) after officiating the ERM Foundation’s A Celebration of Life and Peace programme, which celebrated 700 children from low-income families across the Federal Territories.
Earlier, Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi urged the Home Ministry and relevant agencies to conduct a thorough investigation into the operations of the Network School following allegations that Israeli nationals were among its participants.
Onn Hafiz said the state will not allow any parties to use the state as a base to spread ideologies or movements that are against the law, sovereignty, and interests of Johor and Malaysia.
He added that the probe should look into the identities and nationalities of those involved, their travel documents and alleged use of second passports, the type of passes used and the purpose of their entry into Malaysia, as well as whether their actual activities were consistent with the reasons for entering the country.
The Higher Education Ministry, Digital Ministry and relevant regulatory agencies have also been asked to determine the actual status of the school’s operations, and whether its programmes required registration or approval under Malaysian law, he said.
Johor, he said, views the matter seriously and will continue to act in accordance with the law to safeguard Johor’s interests and uphold national sovereignty.
