EIGHT Democratic members of the United States Congress have called on Washington to review its security and economic ties with Malaysia after Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the government would move to deport Israeli nationals allegedly holding dual citizenship and residing in the country.
The lawmakers also urged Secretary of State Marco Rubio to consider suspending US military assistance to Malaysia, including funding under the International Military Education and Training (IMET) programme, over what they described as a discriminatory policy targeting Israeli citizens.
The members of Congress — Greg Landsman, Josh Gottheimer, Jimmy Panetta, Dan Goldman, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Jared Moskowitz, Brad Sherman and Jake Auchincloss — said they had “serious concerns” over Anwar’s remarks, claiming the statement could be viewed as antisemitic.
In a letter shared by Landsman on his Facebook account, the lawmakers urged the US government to take a firm stance and review its relationship with Malaysia to ensure it aligned with Washington’s interests.
They said US assistance and cooperation should come with the expectation that Malaysia would not target citizens of one of America’s closest allies.
“Based on the diplomatic leverage available, we believe the United States should make clear to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his government that our assistance and support come with the expectation that they will not target citizens from one of our closest allies,” they said.
The lawmakers also called for a review of existing security cooperation between both countries, including the IMET programme, which provides professional military training and education for foreign armed forces.
They said funding under the programme should be suspended if Malaysia failed to reverse what they described as a discriminatory policy within 15 days.
The letter also accused Malaysia of providing a platform for Hamas due to its open engagement with the Palestinian group, a claim that has been rejected by Malaysian officials.
The lawmakers urged the US State Department to clarify its response to Anwar’s remarks and use available measures to hold the Malaysian government accountable.
“We respectfully request that the State Department clarify the steps being taken in response to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s statements.
“We strongly urge the department to use all available instruments to ensure the Malaysian government is held accountable for its actions,” they said.
The move came after Anwar last Wednesday said Malaysia would deport Israeli nationals found to be holding dual citizenship and residing in the country.
He said Malaysia would not compromise on the matter if the allegations were proven true.
Anwar was responding to calls by the Johor government for authorities to investigate the technology community at Forest City known as Network School, following allegations that Israeli nationals with dual citizenship were living in the area.
Malaysia has long maintained its policy of not establishing diplomatic relations with Israel and has been a strong supporter of the Palestinian cause, particularly amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza. – July 22, 2026
