A Perak DAP member has retracted his statement slamming Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin over the barring of two Israeli athletes from competing in Malaysia.

Perak DAP chief Nga Kor Ming said Chong Zhemin, who is Nga’s political secretary, had withdrawn his statement yesterday, and that it did not reflect the state party’s views.

This is after Perlis mufti Asri Zainul Abidin slammed Chong’s views as unsympathetic to the suffering of Palestinians in their conflict with Israel.

“Perak DAP stands firm in rejecting the violence and oppression by the Zionist regime towards Palestinians,” Nga said in a statement today

He added that Perak DAP prays for the immediate end to violence against Palestinians.

Chong yesterday had said it was unacceptable for Khairy to deny Yoav Omer and Noy Drihan their chance to defend their titles in the International Sailing Federation (ISAF) world youth championships in Langkawi on political grounds.

Despite distancing himself from Chong’s remarks, Nga did echo his aide's view that sports should be above politics.

“While maintaining sportsmanship which crosses political and religious barries, and at the same time maintain our firm stand against Israel, we are confident that the youth and sports minister could find a middle road to solve all these problems.

“The ministry should make an effort to find a solution so that athletes who are champions are not denied their right to compete simply because of the tyranny of their country’s rulers,” Nga said.

Amanah supports ban on Israeli duo

DAP’s partner in Pakatan Harapan, Parti Amanah Negara, however fully supported the barring of the two Israeli athletes, saying it was a good way of showing solidarity with the Palestinians.

Amanah communications director Khalid Samad then cautioned DAP to be careful of what they say about Israel.

“Hatred and anger towards Israel, which are well-founded, are entrenched in the spirit of Malaysians, especially the Muslims, and any statements to the contrary will be viewed as out of place and rejected,” Khalid said in a statement today.

Yoav and Noy had pulled out from competing in Langkawi after being denied visas to enter Malaysia.

It was reported that they would have been allowed in, on condition that they do not compete under the Israeli flag or use Israeli symbols.

The Israeli national anthem would also not be played should they win.

Fifty countries are participating in the ISAF championship, including Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, Russia, South Africa, Spain, Finland, Ireland, Italy, Holland, Germany, and France.