A minister turns back the clock in his criticism of Pakatan Rakyat calling for a special Parliament sitting on the situation in Gaza.
Communication and Multimedia Minister Ahmad Shabery Cheek referred to a Asian Wall Street Journal report in 2012, which quoted the opposition leader as saying, "I support all efforts to protect the security of the state of Israel."
In dismissing the need for the special sitting, the minister told Pakatan to quiz the opposition leader on this matter first.
Ahmad Shabery said Anwar did not deny making the statement, which, the minister added, the opposition leader did to garner sympathy from the West.
"We consider that this stand remains and what is contained in his heart regarding the struggle of the Muslims and the illegal existence of Israel," he was quoted as saying by Umno Online.
"We should be asking the opposition leader to retract his statement and express his regret," he added.
Ahmad Shabery said the special sitting was not required since Malaysia has been consistent in opposing the violence perpetrated by Israel.
"Our stand is clear that we are against the violence, although their (Israel’s) excuse is to protect themselves, the excuse is shallow," he added.
In the AWSJ report, it was stated that among others, Anwar clarified Malaysia’s position with regard to Israel.
However, the publication stated that he had stopped short of saying if he would open diplomatic ties with the Jewish state if he becomes prime minister.
Anwar later claimed that his statement was twisted, saying he had stressed that the needs and rights of the Palestinian people must be guarded and that includes the right to establish their own country and not to be further victimised.
Communication and Multimedia Minister Ahmad Shabery Cheek referred to a Asian Wall Street Journal report in 2012, which quoted the opposition leader as saying, "I support all efforts to protect the security of the state of Israel."
In dismissing the need for the special sitting, the minister told Pakatan to quiz the opposition leader on this matter first.Ahmad Shabery said Anwar did not deny making the statement, which, the minister added, the opposition leader did to garner sympathy from the West.
"We consider that this stand remains and what is contained in his heart regarding the struggle of the Muslims and the illegal existence of Israel," he was quoted as saying by Umno Online.
"We should be asking the opposition leader to retract his statement and express his regret," he added.
Ahmad Shabery said the special sitting was not required since Malaysia has been consistent in opposing the violence perpetrated by Israel.
"Our stand is clear that we are against the violence, although their (Israel’s) excuse is to protect themselves, the excuse is shallow," he added.
In the AWSJ report, it was stated that among others, Anwar clarified Malaysia’s position with regard to Israel.
However, the publication stated that he had stopped short of saying if he would open diplomatic ties with the Jewish state if he becomes prime minister.
Anwar later claimed that his statement was twisted, saying he had stressed that the needs and rights of the Palestinian people must be guarded and that includes the right to establish their own country and not to be further victimised.
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