PM Anwar Urges Police Action Over Use of Israeli Flag at Local Event

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 14: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called on the police to take firm action against the organizers of a recent event where an Israeli flag was flown, describing the act as unacceptable and contrary to Malaysia’s national stance.

Speaking in Parliament on Tuesday, Anwar said that regardless of the explanation provided by the organizers, Pertubuhan Anak Muda Bangkit Malaysia, such actions could not be justified.

“There have been several incidents recently  from Hebrew writing to waving the Israeli flag  that have offended the feelings of Malaysians and go against the country’s long-standing policy, which transcends political lines,” the Prime Minister said.

“Whatever the intention was, it is still wrong. I agree that the police should take appropriate action,” he added.

The controversy began after an Israeli flag was displayed during a reenactment at the 500 Pelayaran Solidariti Kelantan event, part of a solidarity program for Gaza. The organizers later apologized, saying the flag was used merely as a gimmick to portray the experience of Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) volunteers.

Program director Mohd Khairul Hafiz Hassan said he was prepared to fully cooperate with the authorities in their investigation.

The issue follows another recent incident involving a retired civil servant in Melaka, who displayed a Hebrew-language sticker on his vehicle. The man explained that he had altered the original Hebrew phrase “Israel Betainu” (“Israel is our home”) to “Malizia Beiteinu” (“Malaysia is our home”). Despite the explanation, police are investigating the case under Section 505(b) of the Penal Code and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.

Anwar reiterated that such actions, even if unintended, could be seen as disrespectful to national sensitivities and foreign policy principles.

“Flying the Israeli flag in Malaysia is akin to an act of betrayal,” he said, drawing strong approval from Members of Parliament.

“No matter the excuse, it must be addressed firmly to prevent recurrence.”

Authorities have yet to announce the outcome of the police investigation into the event organizers.

— Voice of Malaysia News