Anwar: PKR cuts ties with Liberal International over support for Israel

PARLIAMENT | PKR has officially severed ties with Liberal International over the global organisation's stand to support Israel in the ongoing attacks on Palestinians in Gaza, said Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim today.

Anwar, who is also PKR president, said the matter was discussed in the party's recent political bureau meeting.

"LI's stand on Israel, we brought that in a political bureau meeting, and we (decided to) sever ties with LI," said Anwar in response to Ahmad Fadhli Shaari (Perikatan Nasional-Pasir Mas) during Prime Minister's Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat.

Anwar also said PKR was never a full member of LI but instead held an "associate" status, due to several key issues.

"Because there are several stands taken by them (LI), including on recognition of LGBTQs and Israel, we did not become a full member.

"So, I hope this (issue) will not be politicised," Anwar added.

On Oct 7, LI's international bureau expressed solidarity with the Israelis and recognised their rights to "self-defence".

Anwar also told the Dewan Rakyat he had once delivered a keynote address at a LI conference in Cairo, Egypt - attended by global leaders including from the Muslim Brotherhood.

The Cairo conference was held in 2009 and Anwar's wife, Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, in 2015, also reportedly spoke at an LI committee meeting.

At the time, Anwar was serving his prison sentence.

At a press conference later, Machang MP Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal claimed that Anwar's explanation was "inconsistent" with alleged statements made by his daughter, Nurul Izzah, describing PKR as an LI member.

He cited a Facebook post by Nurul Izzah dated Dec 20, 2016, which highlighted LI's condemnation of what the London-based association described as a "politically motivated rejection" of Anwar's final appeal.

Wan Fayhsal further claimed that LI had also described PKR as a member, contrary to Anwar's explanation.

"It is better to be like Gerakan which admitted to being a part of LI, but they disagreed with the organisation's stand on Israel.

"Gerakan did not lie and spin to Malaysians, unlike Fahmi Fadzil," claimed the Bersatu lawmaker in reference to the communications and digital minister.

On Sunday, Fahmi, who is also PKR information chief, reiterated his party had never been a member of LI and it had removed the party's name and logo from its website.

Yesterday, Fahmi said PKR will consider taking legal action against parties linking it to LI.

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