Saifuddin: Swim meet cancellation no loss for Malaysia

(Malaysiakini) – The revocation of Malaysia’s right to host World Para Swimming Championship 2019 was not a loss for the country, said Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.

He told reporters in Kota Bharu that it is important for Malaysia to maintain its right to not have diplomatic relations with Israel.

“We are defending our right not to have diplomatic relations with Israel… I don’t think we lose anything…,” Saifuddin said.

The tournament was supposed to take place in Kuching, Sarawak in the middle of this year.

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) stripped Kuching as the host after Israel protested against Malaysia’s refusal to ensure that Israeli athletes would be granted passage.

Meanwhile, Saifuddin said the initial decision to host the tournament was made by the previous BN-administration, which knew that Israel would seek to participate.

“The decision to deny Israel athletes entry was made through consensus by (the current) cabinet.

“We need to remember that the previous government had sought to host the event and they were aware that it will involve Israeli athletes,” he said.