Round-the-clock breaking news from Malaysia.
A leading Middle Eastern studies scholar has defended Malaysia's longstanding refusal to establish diplomatic relations with Israel as a principled stance against genocide, arguing it should not be conflated with antisemitism.
Malaysia's Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan has formally restated the country's longstanding refusal to recognise Israel, following discussions with the US State Department and criticism from eight Democratic US lawmakers.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has reaffirmed Malaysia's commitment to maintaining its ban on Israeli citizens entering the country, even as eight United States congressmen have voiced criticism of the policy.
Malaysian NGO Citizens International has condemned threats from US lawmakers demanding Malaysia reverse its policy barring Israeli nationals, describing the ultimatum as unacceptable political intimidation that violates sovereign equality principles.