THE government will not yield to pressure from eight United States Congress members who have called for Washington to review its relations with Malaysia, Transport Minister Anthony Loke said.
Loke said the Cabinet had been briefed on the matter and had decided that Malaysia would stand firm against any external demands or pressure.
His remarks came after eight US lawmakers sent a letter to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressing dissatisfaction with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s firm stance on the immediate expulsion of Israeli nationals from Malaysia.
Loke stressed that Malaysia was a sovereign nation and would not allow decisions affecting the country to be dictated by external parties.
“The Cabinet has been informed, but we have decided to maintain our position. There is no need to comply with demands from foreign countries.
“The decision was not made because of pressure from foreign countries, but based on the interests of the country and its people,” he said when met during a casual programme in Kampung Chennah today.
Loke said the Prime Minister’s decision to remove Israeli nationals from Malaysia reflected a firm stance and demonstrated the government’s determination to safeguard the country’s sovereignty.
He added that Malaysia’s policies would continue to be guided by national priorities and the welfare of its people, rather than influenced by pressure from abroad.
Remarks Deemed "Rude"
On a similar note, the government has rejected criticism from eight United States congressmen over its decision to expel Israeli nationals, with Unity Government spokesman Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil describing the lawmakers' intervention as "rude" and an attempt to interfere in the country's sovereign affairs.
Fahmi said the government would formally convey its position to the US Embassy, stressing that immigration decisions are a matter of national sovereignty and that Malaysia has the right to remove any foreign national found to have breached its laws or immigration conditions.
“We will not remain silent and we will certainly deliver a very clear message to the US Embassy. Do not interfere in Malaysia's internal affairs, including our immigration matters.
“Our country is a sovereign nation. If any party or individual is found to have violated the stipulated conditions, we have the authority and the right to remove and expel them. So, do not attempt to interfere in our internal affairs. That is not appropriate and we will ensure the US Embassy is made aware of our position,” he said.
Fahmi added the Cabinet had reaffirmed its firm stance on the Network School investigation in Forest City, adding that ongoing probes into 11 individuals suspected of holding dual citizenship had so far found no Israeli nationals among the 266 people interviewed by the Immigration Department and other authorities. - July 22, 2026
