Malaysia not a Hamas base, says IGP over US analyst’s remarks

KUALA LUMPUR: The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) has denied claims by former US Treasury Department terrorism finance analyst Jonathan Schanzer that Malaysia is serving as a hub for Hamas operations.

Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail said the Palestinian struggle was an issue close to the hearts of Muslims in Malaysia, but the country continued to maintain good relations with the United States and other nations.

“Our people’s concern (for the plight of Palestinians) has been misinterpreted by certain quarters,” he told a press conference here on Wednesday (Sept 24).

Schanzer had alleged on social media that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was not interested in peace between Palestine and Israel.

His remarks incurred the wrath of many Malaysian social media users, who bombarded his post with comments.

On the country’s security control level, including at border areas, Khalid said it stood at an optimum level thanks to close cooperation among government agencies such as the Immigration Department, Customs Department and the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS).

“We are in constant communication, sharing information and taking joint action to deal with issues related to border security,” he said. – Bernama