Foreign minister clarifies Malaysia's position with Israel has not changed, says Putrajaya was bound by agreement with UN to allow delegation to attend forum.
In a statement by Wisma Putra today, Foreign Minister Anifah Aman explained that the letter of invitation to Israel was not signed by any Malaysian official.
“The foreign ministry wishes to clarify that Israel’s participation was based on an invitation issued by the United Nations, through its agency the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), the convenor of WUF9.
“The invitation to Israel, signed by the UN-Habitat executive director, was in accordance with the Host Country Agreement signed between UN-Habitat and Malaysia,” he said.
Anifah added that Malaysia was bound by the Host Country Agreement, which is a requirement for any UN conference held away from any of the UN’s established headquarters.
He was referring to criticism from various “irresponsible parties”, whom he accused of trying to gain political mileage out of Israel’s participation at the forum.
Yesterday, Selangor PPBM Youth issued a statement criticising the government for allowing the senior-level delegation from Israel to attend the forum, calling it a betrayal of the Palestinian people.
“The participation of Israel in the 9th World Urban Forum (WUF) is an insult and betrayal by the government of the Palestinians who are forced to live under Israel’s illegal settlement policies,” the statement said.
Anifah said the government’s position remains unchanged despite the presence of the Israeli delegation.
“The issue of Malaysia tacitly establishing links with Israel through the hosting of the forum does not arise. To imply otherwise is an indication of malicious and malignant intent,” he said, pointing to the success of the forum.
“It raised Malaysia’s profile and showcased Malaysia’s achievements in the promotion, articulation and implementation of the New Urban Agenda.
“All Malaysians should be proud of our country’s successful hosting of this prestigious and important forum.”
According to the ministry, more than 25,000 people attended the event with 69 countries being represented at the ministerial level.
On Tuesday, a spokesman from Israel’s foreign ministry confirmed to the Times of Israel that a senior-level delegation led by a former deputy ambassador to the UN had attended the week-long forum.
David Roet, who entered Malaysia with an Israeli diplomatic passport, also met with Malaysian officials during the forum, the report said.
In a series of tweets, Roet said the visit was a “unique experience”, adding that he was “proud to have led Israel’s official delegation”.
“I have great hopes for good relations between our two countries in the future,” he was quoted as saying.
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