It was a DAP member who slammed Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin over the barring of two Israeli athletes from competing in Malaysia, but it seems that this has inspired a smear campaign against Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah).

Lamenting this, Perak Amanah secretary Salman Saleh expressed disappointment over actions taken by "certain quarters" to associate Amanah with the statement made by Perak DAP economic development bureau chief Chong Zhemin.

A poster, stating that Amanah is with Perak DAP in welcoming the Israeli athletes to Malaysia, was purportedly spread on social media and Salman claimed that it was even shared on the PAS Youth official Facebook page.

The poster also bear the image of Perak Amanah chairperson Asmuni Awi and the party’s logo.

“We are very disappointed in the spreading of the poster and it has soiled Amanah as well as Asmuni’s reputation.

“The statement that we supposedly support Israel’s involvement is extreme and it’s clear there is an agenda to soil the image of a new party,” he said.

Salman added that they were discussing matters with their lawyers and would take legal action if those involved in spreading and uploading the poster did not apologise and take down the images.

Amanah, he said, fully supported Khairy in barring the athletes from competing in Malaysia.

“We are disappointed with the statement made by Chong. We, however, welcome Perak DAP chairperson Nga Kor Ming who stated that the statement did not reflect the state party’s views."

Nevertheless, Amanah said it would still ask Perak DAP to give its explanation on the matter in the next Pakatan Harapan meeting.

Chong on Saturday 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.

Chong, however, has since withdrawn his statement.

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.