KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today acknowledged that some excerpts of his interviews with international media discussing Israel could be taken out of context.
In addressing this, Anwar said while there might have been some disagreement with the choice of words used, such matters should not be prolonged.
"I have given numerous interviews (with international media), including CNN, Al Jazeera and Bloomberg.
"Some excerpts may have been taken out of context, and if there are disagreements with a word or two, that is fine. I do not want to argue over that.
"However, it is not fair to link these statements and insult us, especially when we are steadfastly opposing these issues.
"For me, this is not about politics. It is an issue rooted in our decades-long struggle (in defending Palestine,)" he said during Prime Minister's Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat today.
Previously, Anwar's recent interview with CNN, went viral after the edited interview clip, now circulating on social media, created a false impression that the government acknowledged Israel's existence and its right to self-defence.
The prime minister, who had his interview with CNN taken out of context, also firmly reiterated that within the context of the United Nations (UN), Israel's existence as a state was considered de facto recognition.
However, Anwar emphasised that Malaysia still did not recognise Israel as a state.
"I understand that I have been misrepresented on this issue. Let me clarify that, within the context of the UN, it is considered a matter of state rights.
"However, Israel has never been recognised by us, from the beginning.
"This is not just under my leadership, but since the time of Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj," he said.
The prime minister also said he is willing to provide further clarification if needed.
He, however, said it was unfair to label him a hypocrite and a liar based on the CNN interview.
"I have been called a liar and munafiq to be supporting Israel and this is why I condemn this statement made by those riding on religion.
"The context was whether Israel, as a state, has a right to exist and in that context, I have clearly attacked them.
"Secondly, the principle within the UN is that any country that is attacked has the right to defend itself.
"Not that I am saying we are defending them. How could I, when I have called them barbaric, violent, zionist, and oppressive? That has always been my stance.
"It is just that parts of my statement have been taken out of context to find fault," he said, in response to Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin (PN-Larut) on whether he acknowledged the 'mistake' made during the interview.