(The Malaysian Insider) - Umno Youth accused Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today of defending “Israel’s Zionist regime” after the opposition leader was quoted as saying that he supports all efforts to protect Israel’s security.
Umno Youth’s international bureau chief Datuk Ahmad Zaki Zahid said in a statement that it was Palestinians who needed protection, defending and humanitarian aid after being oppressed by Israel.
He said the PKR de facto leader’s comments reflected “his efforts to support certain friends who stand firmly behind the Zionist regime.”
Anwar had said in an interview with the Wall Street Journal that he supports “all efforts to protect the security of the state of Israel,” a statement that was played up by Umno-controlled media yesterday.
But the international business daily said Anwar stopped short of saying he would open diplomatic ties with the Jewish state, a step which the former deputy prime minister said remains contingent on Israel respecting the aspirations of Palestinians.
