Don’t sidestep Israel issue, Faizal tells Anwar

Incumbent Tambun MP Ahmad Faizal Azumu said his opponent Anwar Ibrahim should stop sidestepping the issue and categorically state whether or not he will withdraw his statement regarding Israel.

Faizal (above, left) was referring to a 2012 interview between Anwar and the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) in which Anwar said: “I support all efforts to protect the security of the state of Israel.”

“Anwar avoided and did not answer my question, which was whether he would withdraw his statement (on Israel).

“That was Anwar’s stand to WSJ back in 2012 which led to the Palestinian ambassador’s criticism of him.

“I call on Anwar, as Pakatan Harapan’s prime minister candidate, to immediately state whether he would withdraw the statement or not.

“The Israeli regime should get a clear message that the leader of this country will not compromise at all with them,” Faizal said in a statement today.

Faizal had first fired a salvo against Anwar on his Israel statement about a week ago, but the former deputy prime minister had reportedly declined to comment further on it.

In his response, Anwar said he was close to the late Palestinian leader, Yasser Arafat for many years.

“I’m the number one fighter for the Palestinian people in our country. So, I don’t think we have to talk about this matter and instead we should focus on how to improve the country and our economy,” Anwar said.

Hurling brickbats at Anwar, Faizal said there was no need for anyone to be arrogant by calling call themselves the number one champion of Palestinians.

‘Don’t be arrogant’

He recounted his own experience of being arrested by Israeli commandos in 2010, along with five other Malaysian activists while they were aboard the MV Rachel Corrie as part of the Gaza Freedom flotilla to provide humanitarian aid to the Palestinians.

“But I have never blown my own horn and called myself the number one fighter for Palestinians,” he said.

He also took a jab at Anwar’s remarks about being close to Yasser.

“If it is true, then why is it so difficult for the Harapan chairperson to withdraw his statement on Israel?” asked Faizal.

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

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