Malaysian Ambassador to US Summoned Over Israel Policy, Affirms Non-Recognition Stance

The Malaysian ambassador to the United States was summoned by the US State Department to clarify Malaysia's position on Israel. Malaysian Foreign Minister Muhammad Hassan stated that the ambassador explained the country's longstanding policy of not recognizing Israel. "This has always been our policy - not to recognize the State of Israel or the Zionist regime," Hassan said. The minister also recounted an incident involving an individual holding dual US and Israeli citizenship who entered Malaysia using his American passport. Upon discovering his Israeli citizenship, Malaysian authorities requested that he leave the country.