MELAKA – Perikatan Nasional’s Kota Laksamana candidate Fong Khai Ling issued a public apology, after an old video of her teaching Malaysians how to enter Israel had resurfaced on social media.
Following a public backlash, the 27-year-old Gerakan member said it was never her intention to challenge the laws in Malaysia, which prohibits locals from visiting the Middle Eastern country.
“I understand Malaysia and Israel do not share any diplomatic ties,” she said in a brief statement, adding that she had no intention to make light of the Muslims’ stand on Israel.
“Like I mentioned in the viral video, the action of visiting Israel is against the law.”
In the one-minute clip that has since made the rounds, Fong said while the Malaysian passport does not recognise Israel, locals can travel there via two methods.
One is by travelling with a Christian congregation to perform pilgrims, and the second is by applying for a visa from Singapore and then flying to Israel from Thailand.
She included a disclaimer that these actions are extremely dangerous, and that she would not be responsible for any potential risks faced by those who take her pointers.
“If you are not careful and the authorities find out you have travelled to Israel, your passport will be suspended.
“You will be barred from travelling overseas for a long period,” she said.
Malaysia does not have any diplomatic relations with Israel and does not recognise the state, ostensibly due to its conflict with Palestine.
The Malaysian passport also specifically states that it is valid for all countries except Israel. – The Vibes, November 11, 2021
