Malaysia keeps ban on entry for Israeli citizens
At least eight U.S. lawmakers have protested the policy and urged Washington to review cooperation with Kuala Lumpur.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said his country will continue to bar Israeli citizens from entering Malaysia despite criticism from several members of the U.S. Congress. At an event in Negeri Sembilan on Wednesday, Anwar said the ban has been in place for decades and will not be changed. He distinguished the policy from any stance toward Jews, saying it targets Israeli citizens because of the country's involvement in killings, crimes, oppression and colonization against Palestine and Gaza. Malaysian media reported that at least eight U.S. lawmakers condemned the policy and asked Washington to review its cooperative ties with Malaysia.