Why does Malaysia ban Israeli citizens from entering its country?

Answer 1

Answer 1

Malaysia is a religious Islamic country so they are boycotting Israel for their behaviour towards the Palestinians.

Answer 2

Malaysia certainly justifies its refusal to allow Israeli citizens from visiting based on the crimes perpetrated against the Palestinians, but this rings very hollow. Malaysia became independent in 1957 and refused to recognize Israel at that point in time, which was prior to the Six-Day War and, therefore, when Israel was not in control of the West Bank or the Gaza Strip. This refusal came amidst numerous Israeli calls to have diplomatic relations. Also, Malaysia has not retracted recognition immediately given to Syria, Lebanon, or Jordan for their horrible treatment of the Palestinians.

Finally, Malaysian leaders have revealed the deep-seated Anti-Semitism that motivates their non-recognition of Israel and Anti-Zionist attitudes. Former Prime Minister Mahathir bin Mohamad said in October of 2003: "The Europeans killed six million Jews out of twelve million. But today the Jews rule this world by proxy. They get others to fight and die for them...1.3 billion Muslims cannot be defeated by a few million Jews." He further noted that Muslims should stand together and counter-attack the enemies of Islam, implying Israel, who treated Muslims with contempt and dishonor. On other occasions, he has claimed that Jews were responsible for depreciation of the Malay ringgit (the currency). It is clear that the reason that Malaysia bans Israeli citizens is the Anti-Semitism of its leadership.

An additional irony is that while citizens of many countries that 'boycott' Israel will face scrutiny by the Israeli border police, they are allowed to visit Israel according to the provisions of the Israeli government, but are not allowed to do so by the governments of their home countries, and could be imprisoned and tortured on their return home.