Kuala lumpur: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has reaffirmed that Malaysia will continue to bar Israeli nationals from entering the country despite objections raised by eight members of the United States Congress. Anwar stated that the Malaysian Government's position is guided by its commitment to defending the rights of the people and opposing the oppression, aggression, and continued killing of Palestinians in Gaza.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar emphasized that the policy is not new, having been in place for decades, and should already be well known to the United States. He addressed the criticism from several US Congress members who opposed Malaysia's decision to bar Israeli nationals from entering the country and participating in related activities. Anwar asserted that the criticisms and potential threats would not deter Malaysia from upholding its policy.

Anwar expressed his firm resolve to defend the rights of the Malaysian people and maintain the government's decision to prohibit the entry of any Israeli national into Malaysia. He conveyed this stance to reporters after launching the 'Jelajah Rakan Muda' programme at the Youth and Sports Complex (KOMBES) in Paroi, accompanied by Youth and Sports Minister Dr. Mohammed Taufiq Johari.

The Prime Minister's response came after eight US Congressmen sent a letter to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, expressing dissatisfaction with Anwar's actions to deport Israeli citizens from Malaysia. The Congressmen, all from the Democratic Party, include Greg Landsman, Josh Gottheimer, Jimmy Panetta, Dan Goldman, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Jared Moskowitz, Brad Sherman, and Jake Auchincloss.

Anwar questioned the silence of US representatives regarding the ongoing violence against Palestinians, highlighting Malaysia's independence and its freedom to express views contrary to those of the US lawmakers. When asked about potential impacts on Malaysia-US bilateral relations, Anwar stated that it should not be affected.

Regarding allegations linking Malaysia to Hamas, Anwar clarified that meetings with the group's leaders were conducted to express sympathy for families affected by bombings and killings, dismissing criticism from US lawmakers as unfounded.