KUALA PILAH: The action of eight United States (US) lawmakers expressing dissatisfaction over Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's firmness regarding the deportation of Israeli citizens comes across as an attempt to interfere in the sovereignty of Malaysia, says Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil (pic).
In a Sinar Harian report, the Unity Government spokesperson also said the action came off as rude.
"We will convey a very clear message to the US Embassy - 'Do not interfere in internal affairs, including immigration issues, of Malaysia'.
"We will not remain silent; this country is a sovereign nation. If any party or individual is found to have violated conditions, then we have the power, we have the right to expel and deport them," he said.
He said this after visiting a kompang and gasing practice session in Felda Kepis alongside the Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidate for the Senaling state assembly seat, Mohd Hanis Alimin, on Wednesday (July 22).
Previously, Anwar had said that the government would deport Israeli citizens alleged to hold dual citizenship and reside in this country if the allegations were proven true.
The statement was made after the Johor state government urged authorities to investigate a tech community in Forest City known as the Network School following allegations that Israeli citizens with dual citizenship were residing in the area.
Following that development, eight US members of Congress sent a letter to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to express dissatisfaction with Anwar's stance wanting to immediately deport Israeli citizens in Malaysia.
They are Greg Landsman, Josh Gottheimer, Jimmy Panetta, Dan Goldman, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Jared Moskowitz, Brad Sherman, and Jake Auchincloss.
Commenting further, Fahmi said the Federal government's stance is also very firm regarding the Network School issue.
"So, do not try to interfere in our country's internal affairs. That is not a good thing, and we will ensure the US Embassy knows this stance.
"The Cabinet meeting held today (Wednesday) also takes the stance that this country will not compromise on this issue," he said.
He added that Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail had also informed the Cabinet that the investigation process related to the issue is being refined, involving 11 individuals believed to hold dual citizenship.
He said that for the Immigration Department and Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), no wrongdoing has been identified, but the investigation is continuing.
"As of earlier, the Home Minister said that no Israeli citizens were detected among the 266 people investigated and met by the Immigration Department and the authorities," the Communications Minister said.
