Opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim's attempt to defend himself on the Israeli issue backfired when an analysis by a BN backbencher pointed to him being an ardent supporter of the Zionist regime.

NONE Khairy Jamaluddin (BN-Rembau), who interrupted Anwar while debating the Royal address in the Dewan Rakyat today, said this fact could be seen if Anwar's statement in the January interview with the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) was read in full rather than just reading certain extracts.

He then read two extracts of Anwar's statement, namely: "I support all efforts to protect the security of the state of Israel" and the second statement which read :"...stated that any change to the status quo would remain contingent on Israel recognising the aspirations of the Palestinians".

"I understand about the matter of 'contingent' but I want to ask why the opposition leader did not read fully the paragraph on the interview with the Wall Street Journal because, the meaning differs, if it is read fully.

"Meaning, the statement has two parts. When you say 'I support all efforts to protect the security of the state of Israel", it does not have a 'contingent', meaning the support is blanket support, absolute support which does not impose any conditions to the Israeli government," he said.

Based on the WSJ report on the interview with Anwar, Khairy said in its web page it read: "In the interview Anwar responded to the question of whether he would open diplomatic ties with Israel by stating his "support" for "efforts to protect the security of the state of Israel," while at the same time backing the "legitimate rights of the Palestinians.

"He stopped short of saying he would establish diplomatic relations between the two states and stated that any change to the status quo would remain contingent on Israel recognising the aspirations of the Palestinians."

Khairy's question caused the calm assembly to erupt into chaos when both the BN and opposition Members of Parliament argued over the issue.

Anwar, despite appearing calm in weathering the onslaught, tried to counter-attack by hurling wild allegations against Khairy and refused to give way to Khairy to get up and debate.

The situation caused Deputy Speaker Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar to ask them to take their seats and calm down.

- Bernama