PUTRAJAYA: It is better for Malaysia to not host the Fifa Congress in May, given the risks involved in allowing certain countries to attend the event, said Deputy Prime minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
Zahid, who is also Home Minister, was responding to Malaysia's inability to guarantee visas to delegates from certain countries such as Israel.
He said this was also in line with Malaysia’s policy of not accepting certain countries without any diplomatic ties.
“Some of the conditions include placing the flag (Israel) on the table during the congress, so we understand the sensitivity of the people in the country.
“After comparing the benefits and the risks, it is better for Malaysia to avoid playing host,” he told reporters after chairing the Central Disaster Management High Council Meeting today.
Malaysia was stripped of hosting the Fifa Congress in May next year after the FA of Malaysia (FAM) could not guarantee visas to delegates from certain countries.