KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 7 — Parti Keadilan Rakyat has never been a member of the international organisation, Liberal International, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Speaking as party president, he hopes the issue will not be politicised.
“On Liberal International, the honorable MP can check as we were never a member.
“We were initially an associate, but because some of their decisions including recognising lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgenders (LGBT) and the stand of (supporting) Israel, we did not become members,” Anwar said.
He was speaking in the Dewan Rakyat today during Minister’s Question Time, in response to Pasir Mas MP Ahmad Fadhli Shaari, who wanted an explanation as to whether Keadilan had ever been a member of an organisation which supported Israel.
Anwar said he attended and delivered the keynote address at the Liberal International conference in Cairo, Egypt, among which was the leader of the opposition party in Egypt at the time, Ayman Nour; Ikhwan al Muslimim (Muslim Brotherhood) representative, Mahdi Akif, and (the late) Mohamed Morsi (before he became President of Egypt).
He added that Mahdi Akif, who also listened to the keynote address, congratulated Anwar on his firm stand on tyranny, the rights of the people, and Palestine.
“So despite the difference in some of our opinions, it is true that I attended (the conference)… we are also present at the United Nations and at the UN, which Israel is a recognised member.
“But our presence as a (UN) member does not mean we have anything to do with Israel. We have no relationship with Israel,” said the Prime Minister.
Regarding Liberal International’s support for Israel, Anwar said Keadilan had severed ties with the organisation, and the matter had been reported to Communications and Digital Minister cum Keadilan Information Head Fahmi Fadzil.
“We broke off the relationship over the issue of supporting Israel, and the Minister of Communications and Digital announced this as the Head of Information.
“If asked… in relation to several international bodies that I attended… I was present as the chairman, but there are limits. When the issue of Israel’s recognition arises, I said (that) this is our limit, but negotiations on all other issues, for example, on Asean can continue,” he said.
On Friday (November 3), Fahmi said Keadilan has never been a member of Liberal International following allegations linking the party to the international organisation.
Citing the example of relations between Asean countries, Anwar said each country’s stand on the struggle to support Palestine differs, but Asean member countries have good relations.
“The stand of different countries is different, the Philippines is more likely to agree with the stand of the United States (US) even though it is not as strong, but our bilateral relationship is still good with the Philippines. In Palestine, only Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei are in complete agreement.
“The other thing is that we have a relationship, and when I met with the new Prime Minister of Thailand, Srettha Thavisin, I asked if it is possible not to be too strong with the pro-US stand over Palestine because this will offend and cause anxiety in some Thai and Malaysian communities, ” he said.
— Bernama
