KUALA LUMPUR: Fifty-eight non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have submitted a memorandum to the US Embassy opposing American intervention in Malaysia’s foreign policy.
The objection followed calls by eight US Democratic Party lawmakers for the US government to suspend security aid, including the International Military Education and Training (IMET) programme, unless Malaysia revoked its policy barring Israeli citizens within 15 days.
Malaysian Consultative Council of Islamic Organisations (Mapim) president Mohd Azmi Abdul Hamid said the protest memorandum was handed over to a political officer at the embassy at 2.45pm on Friday (July 24).
"We stand firm on our sovereignty, rights and freedom to set our own national policies without yielding to pressure from the US, which has given us 15 days to follow its wishes.
"What authority does the US have to determine our policies, given that Malaysia has consistently maintained no diplomatic relations with Israel and clearly states in its passports that travel to Israel is not permitted?" Mohd Azmi questioned during a press conference after handing over the memorandum.
Malaysian Islamic Youth Movement (Abim) president Ahmad Fahmi Mohd Samsudin and Malaysian Youth Council (MBM) vice-president Hasnul Haniff Harun were also present during the handover.
Mohd Azmi also accused the US of hypocrisy, pointing out that it had barred citizens from several countries on sovereignty grounds while challenging Malaysia’s right to prevent Israeli citizens from entering the country.
Meanwhile, Ahmad Fahmi said the NGOs submitted a separate memorandum of support to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Thursday (July 23) expressing their united backing for the government’s firm stance.
He echoed criticisms of the allegations by the US lawmakers that Malaysia’s stance was anti-Semitic, stressing that the country’s position was aimed at opposing oppression and the ongoing genocide in Gaza.
Eight US Congress members reportedly wrote to Secretary of State Marco Rubio over Malaysia’s decision to deport Israeli citizens allegedly residing in the country under dual citizenship. – Bernama
