PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today warned detractors not to exploit the BlackRock issue for political mileage.
He said that from his own perspective and the government's, both had shown a firm stand when facing world powers in support of the Palestinian cause, such as meeting Hamas leaders despite being pressured against doing so.
"We do our best (to support the Palestinian cause), I believe some of those who oppose (the issue of BlackRock) have their arguments and are sincere, while some are using this for political mileage. Do not use this issue to gain political points."
"This (the Palestinian cause) is an issue that should unite us. Criticise me if you want, that's fine, but don't turn it into an issue to show who is more heroic.
"After all, who allowed Israeli companies to operate here before? Which ships were allowed entry by the former prime minister in 2002, and continued by all the administrations thereafter?
"Khazanah Nasional Bhd has made a complete statement. There are those who disagree, that's fine. But do not turn this into a political charade to manipulate us.
"Tell me what else can be done for Gaza," he told reporters after Friday prayers at the Tun Abdul Aziz Mosque here.
Anwar also said the government had firmly decided to cancel cooperation with all companies based in Israel.
However, he mentioned that the same action could not be taken for Israeli-linked companies operating in other countries to ensure that the national economy was not adversely affected.
"I decided to cancel cooperation with all Israeli companies operating from Israel... for companies with operations in America, Germany and China that have links to Israel, we are unable to cancel at this time as it would harm the country's economy," he said.
"While I will be firm in fighting for and defending the fate of the Palestinian people, especially in Gaza, I do not want to weaken the strength of our economy. If the company is an Israeli company, I will remain firm (on the stance to cancel any collaboration)," Anwar said.
Earlier, Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) reiterated that BlackRock Inc was not in any way involved in the transaction relating to Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd's (MAHB) privatisation through the Gateway Development Alliance (GDA) consortium.
GIP head of transport Phil Iley said in January that the international infrastructure company was being acquired by BlackRock, an American asset management company with pro-Israeli links, with the transaction expected to be completed in the third quarter of this year.
Following this, several parties had voiced objections and concerns over the proposed sale of a 30 per cent stake in MAHB to GIP.
Previously, Khazanah Nasional Bhd reportedly announced that it was leading a consortium known as GDA in a conditional voluntary offer to buy all shares in MAHB that it did not own.
Besides GIP through GIP Aurea Pte Ltd, the consortium's shareholders also included the Employees Provident Fund and Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (Adia).