KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia will not allow any Israeli national involved in the Network School programme in Forest City, Johor, to remain in the country, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister said the relevant authorities are investigating the matter and assured that any Israeli national found will be deported.
“The matter has been left to the relevant agencies and I believe the Higher Education Minister will provide an explanation.
“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,” he said when met by reporters yesterday after opening the ERM Foundation’s “A Celebration of Life and Peace” programme, which hosted 700 children from low-income families across the Federal Territories.
His remarks came after Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi called on the Home Ministry and other relevant agencies to conduct investigations into the operations of the Network School following allegations that Israeli nationals were among its participants.
On Tuesday, Onn Hafiz said the state will not allow any party to use Johor as a base to spread ideologies or movements that are against the law or undermine the sovereignty and interests of Johor and Malaysia.
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 require registration or approval under Malaysian law.
On Melaka, Anwar, who is Pakatan Harapan chairman, said he has yet to receive any feedback from Melaka DAP following his call for the party to postpone its decision to withdraw support for the Melaka government.
Anwar had previously urged the party to defer its decision to ensure focus could remain on development and the people’s welfare, and added he will engage DAP’s leadership in Melaka on the matter.
“No, no, not yet. We will follow up on the matter soon,” he said.
On Tuesday, Melaka DAP announced its immediate withdrawal from the state government after the Melaka state assembly passed amendments to the state constitution to allow for the appointment of nominated assemblymen.
The four DAP assemblymen are Allex Seah Shoo Chin (PH-Kesidang), Low Chee Leong (PH-Kota Laksamana), Leng Chau Yen (PH-Banda Hilir) and Kerk Chee Yee (PH-Ayer Keroh).
The sole Amanah assemblyman, Adly Zahari (PH-Bukit Katil), who is Melaka Pakatan Harapan chairman, remains seated with the government bloc.
Melaka DAP chairman Khoo Poay Tiong said the decision was in line with the party’s stand in opposing the Bill, which it claimed was contrary to the principles of democracy and elections.
On the children’s programme he opened, Anwar said education should not only produce academically successful students but also individuals with good character.
Addressing the children, he reminded them that the true purpose of learning is to become both knowledgeable and compassionate members of society.
“Do we study just to become clever? No, we also study to become good people,” he said, adding that academic excellence is insufficient without good conduct.
The programme was attended by his wife, Bandar Tun Razak MP Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, and representatives from the education sector, strategic partners, community leaders and nearly 300 parents.
