A single line by an Israeli writer complimenting Anwar Ibrahim’s controversial statement on Israel has fuelled the mainstream media’s onslaught against the opposition leader.

In its front page today, Umno-owned Malay daily Utusan Malaysia reported that Michael Ordman, a writer for Israeli daily The Jerusalem Post , had praised Anwar for his support to ensure the security of Israel.

The report, titled 'Akhbar Jerusalem Post puji Anwar' ( Jerusalem Post newspaper praises Anwar), described the English-language broadsheet newspaper as ‘Israel’s mouthpiece’, and claimed that it is not the first time the daily has complimented Anwar.

Utusan pointed out that the daily expressed admiration towards Anwar in an article titled 'Anwar Ibrahim: Malaysia’s future prime minister?' published on March 20, 2008.

NONE A check by Malaysiakini found that Ordman’s article entitled ‘We have lift-off’ is one of the articles in his column ‘ Just look at us now ’ which focuses on Israel’s latest achievements in the fields of technology, health, business, co-existence and building the Jewish State.

However, only one sentence in the article touched on Anwar’s statement.

“And from the political world, I personally liked the news of the high regard that Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim gave to the Jewish State when asked whether he would open diplomatic ties with Israel,” read the article.

The PKR de facto leader, who has been continually accused as a US and Israel agent by Umno leaders and pro-Umno media, faced another media onslaught after he reportedly said in an interview with the Asian Wall Street Journal ( AWSJ ) recently that he supported “all efforts to protect the security of the state of Israel”.

This prompted PAS spiritual leader Nik Aziz Nik Mat to issue a hard-hitting statement, urging Anwar to either request AWSJ to retract the statement or take legal action against the publication.

However Anwar had defended the remark, arguing that it was not read in its full context .

According to Malay daily Sinar Harian , Nik Aziz said he will meet Anwar during his trip to Kuala Lumpur next week to listen to Anwar’s explanation on the issue.

Related stories

Give Anwar exclusive airtime, supporters dare TV3

Retract remarks or be expelled, Anwar told

Anwar's explanation and 'illusory' Hamas stand