During the launch of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS) in Putrajaya, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim made a significant revelation, highlighting a stark contrast in policy regarding Israeli firms between his administration and that of Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad. Anwar asserted that Dr. Mahathir had permitted an Israeli shipping firm's vessel to enter Malaysia in 2002, whereas his government took decisive steps to prohibit such actions.
Responding to inquiries about the presence of Israeli firms in Malaysia, Anwar pointedly recalled the events of 2002, emphasizing that it was under Dr. Mahathir's leadership that the Israeli ship was allowed entry into Malaysian waters. However, Anwar made it clear that his administration had reversed this stance, instituting a ban on Israeli vessels accessing local ports. He underscored the Cabinet's united position on this matter, firmly stating that Israeli ships were not permitted to dock in Malaysian ports under his leadership.
The revelation comes in the wake of recent reports indicating the docking of an Israeli cargo ship, ZIM Rotterdam, at Port Klang, despite Anwar's previous ban on Israeli vessels. The vessel, owned by Zim Integrated Shipping Services, departed for China shortly after its arrival in Port Klang. This incident raises questions about compliance with existing bans and underscores the challenges in enforcing such measures.
Dr. Mahathir's administration had similarly permitted the docking of a vessel belonging to the same Israeli company back in 2002. At that time, Dr. Mahathir justified the decision, citing hopes for a resolution to the long-standing Gaza conflict. However, Anwar's remarks highlight a shift in policy and a clear departure from his predecessor's approach towards Israeli entities operating within Malaysian waters.
Anwar's statement coincides with recent remarks by Dr. Mahathir, who urged the government to take action against companies supplying arms to Israel. Dr. Mahathir singled out Lockheed Martin and BAE System, sponsors and participants in the ongoing Defence Services Asia (DSA) and National Security (NatSec) Asia 2024 events at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC). He called for the expulsion of these companies and advocated for similar measures against other arms suppliers to Israel.
In response to Dr. Mahathir's calls, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin reiterated Malaysia's commitment to a free trade policy, emphasizing the government's non-interference in the business dealings of global defence companies. Mohamed Khaled maintained that Malaysia's relationship with various defence companies is strictly business-oriented and does not involve political intervention.
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