PETALING JAYA – Putrajaya is not in the position to stop every Israel-linked company that is based in other countries from doing business with Malaysia, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
This, he said, would be detrimental to the country’s economy.
“I’ve cancelled cooperation with all Israeli companies operating from Israel.
“What about companies that have operations in the United States, Germany, China, but have a connection with Israel? We can’t afford to cancel all that currently because it will affect the national economy,” he told reporters after Friday prayers at the Tun Abdul Aziz Mosque here today.
“Who first allowed Israeli companies to operate in Malaysia? The ships that were allowed in by the former prime minister in 2002… a policy that was continued by all administrations and leaders, including former ministers who have now been vocal about this issue.”
He added that the issues surrounding BlackRock’s involvement in the Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd privatisation deal should not be made into political fodder to incite the public.
Anwar said all parties were welcome to criticise the government but should not use this issue to show who was the bigger “warrior”.
He also said the negotiations with Global Infrastructure Partners were initiated last year before it was acquired by BlackRock.
“There are companies with ties to BlackRock operating in Kelantan, Selangor, Sarawak, throughout the country and in the stock market.
“While I will fight and defend the fate of the Palestinian people, especially in Gaza, I don’t want to weaken the country’s economy.”
Anwar said it was understandable that certain quarters were unhappy with the deal even after a statement was issued by sovereign wealth fund Khazanah Nasional Bhd.
“Those who gave permits for Israeli ships to anchor (in Malaysia) are now trying to be heroes. This is not the place to score political points.”
He previously said former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad was the one who had allowed Israeli ships to dock in the country since 2002, and it was the Pakatan Harapan government that had banned them.
On December 20 last year, Anwar announced the implementation of a maritime embargo targeting vessels affiliated with Israel, specifically those from ZIM, which is the largest shipping company in Israel. – June 21, 2024