Malaysia PM Anwar Warns Israelis Found in Country Face Deportation
The warning follows an investigation into allegations that Israeli nationals were involved in a private technology community in southern Malaysia.
By Abdullahi Yusuf
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has warned that any Israeli nationals found in the country will be deported immediately, reaffirming Kuala Lumpur’s longstanding policy of not recognising the State of Israel.
The warning comes as Malaysian authorities investigate allegations that Israeli nationals may have participated in an international technology community operating in the southern state of Johor.
“If we find any Israeli, we will deport them immediately because we do not recognise Israel,” Anwar was quoted by local media as saying.
He added that authorities were already investigating the claims and would act if they were substantiated.
“If it turns out that the claims are true, they will be deported immediately. All relevant authorities are already conducting an investigation into the matter,” he said.
The investigation centres on Network School, a private residential community for technology entrepreneurs and digital professionals established by former Coinbase chief technology officer and investor Balaji Srinivasan.
Malaysia’s Ministry of Home Affairs announced this week that it had launched an inquiry following allegations on social media that some participants were Israeli citizens who had entered the country using passports from other nations.
According to Malaysian media, the community is based in Forest City, a multi-billion-dollar development built on reclaimed land in Johor near the Singapore border.
Network School describes itself as a community of technology entrepreneurs and “digital nomads” seeking to build physical communities around internet-based businesses and innovation.
The controversy has prompted scrutiny from both federal and state authorities.
Johor Chief Minister Onn Hafiz Ghazi directed security and immigration agencies to conduct what he described as a comprehensive investigation into those associated with the project.
He said investigators should determine the identities and nationalities of participants, examine the travel documents used to enter Malaysia, verify the immigration status under which they entered and establish whether their activities were consistent with the purpose stated in their visa applications.
“The state will not allow any parties to use Johor as a base to spread ideologies or movements that are against the law, sovereignty and interests of Johor and Malaysia,” he was quoted as saying.
Malaysia’s immigration authorities said they had examined the records of 266 foreign nationals from 40 countries connected with the Forest City project and found that all possessed valid immigration documentation.
However, officials have not disclosed whether any Israeli nationals have so far been identified as part of the investigation.
Malaysia, a Muslim-majority nation, has no diplomatic relations with Israel and has maintained a policy of non-recognition since gaining independence in 1957.
Israeli passport holders are generally prohibited from entering the country unless granted special approval, although Malaysian law does not automatically prevent individuals holding dual nationality from travelling on passports issued by another country.
Prime Minister Anwar has consistently been among the region’s strongest critics of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza and has repeatedly expressed support for the Palestinian cause.
The latest investigation has attracted significant public attention in Malaysia, where support for Palestine remains widespread and relations with Israel continue to be a politically sensitive issue.
Authorities have not indicated when the investigation is expected to conclude, and no deportation orders have been announced.
With additional information from MEE
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