Ahmad Faizal fires first salvo against Anwar, raises Israel poser

Incumbent Tambun MP Ahmad Faizal Azumu has demanded that his challenger Anwar Ibrahim state his stand on Israel.

In a statement today, Faizal challenged Anwar to withdraw his statement in 2012 regarding Israel and promise Malaysians that the country will not compromise with Israel.

Faizal was referring to a 2012 interview between Anwar and the Wall Street Journal in which Anwar said: "I support all efforts to protect the security of the state of Israel."

The report went on to state that Anwar stopped short of saying that Malaysia should have diplomatic ties with Israel - "a step which he said remains contingent on Israel respecting the aspirations of Palestinians".

Faizal said Anwar should clarify if he still held this position.

"This question is even more serious considering that Anwar has been named as Pakatan Harapan's candidate for prime minister.

"Is he prepared to withdraw his statement and promise Malaysians that we will not compromise with Israel?" said Faizal.

Faizal's statements come amidst allegations that several alleged Mossad agents arrested by the police were PKR or Pakatan Harapan’s supporters.

Anwar is the PKR president and Harapan chairperson. Two days ago, his candidacy for Tambun was announced.

No diplomatic ties

Meanwhile, Faizal challenged PKR and Harapan come clean on whether their supporters involved those who support Israel or Zionism.

Among others, Faizal cited Nga Hock Cheh's gaffe in 2019 when he was a senator representing DAP and publicly proposing that Malaysia set up an embassy in Israel.

Nga had said so when he backed Anwar's call for Malaysia to set up an embassy in Palestine. Nga later retracted his statement.

Malaysia never had diplomatic ties with Israel although informal and limited trade between the countries is conducted.

Faizal, 52, has a long history as a pro-Palestinian activist. In 2010, he was arrested by Israeli forces on board a Gaza-bound aid ship.

Anwar for Tambun: Cold shoulder vs knight in shining armour

COMMENT | Anwar vs Peja: Who dares wins

Ahmad Faizal unfazed by Anwar challenge in Tambun

Anwar bids farewell to PD, vows to capture Tambun

Anwar set to contest in Tambun - source