Putrajaya denies visa exemption deal with Israel

KUALA LUMPUR: Putrajaya has denied that Israel is making Malaysia a visa-exempt destination.

Attaching his statement on a posting on X (formerly Twitter) Home Minister, Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said this was an attempt to tarnish his reputation.

"I think the purpose of this post being raised again is to create an evil and slanderous narrative against me and the Malaysian government.

"My presence as in this picture is in my capacity as a member of the delegation and listening to the Prime Minister's speech at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA)," he said.

The posting claimed that Israel rewarded the visa exemption as an appreciation gesture following Saifuddin's presence at the UN meeting.

He also reiterated that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has made clear of the country's stance in the conflict between Palestine and Israel.

Last year, it was reported that Anwar had reiterated the country's stand in solidarity with the Palestinians.

He said he had told the United Nations General Assembly that the credibility of the international system itself is at stake.

As Malaysia does not recognise nor have diplomatic relations with the state of Israel, Malaysian passports bear the inscription: "This passport is valid for all countries except Israel."