Dr M Backs Govt S Ban On Israeli Firm S Vessels

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Former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad said a previous decision to allow ZIM vessels into Malaysian ports was made in the spirit of finding a peaceful resolution to the Israel-Palestine conflict. (Gambar Facebook)PETALING JAYA: The government’s decision to prohibit Israel-based shipping company ZIM’s vessels from docking at any Malaysian port is correct, says former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
“Israel’s excessive and inhumane actions towards the Palestinian people should be condemned, and any possible protest actions should be taken,” he said on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Earlier today, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the transport ministry would permanently ban ZIM’s ships, effective immediately.
He said the restriction is a response to Israel’s actions that disregard basic humanitarian principles and violate international law through continuous massacres and atrocities against Palestinian citizens.
Anwar said Putrajaya has decided to annul the previous Cabinet decision, which had begun allowing ships owned by ZIM to dock in Malaysia in 2002.
Mahathir said the government’s previous decision to allow ships owned by ZIM to dock at Malaysian ports was because it had hoped for peace between Palestine and Israel.
“The government even allowed the Israeli cricket team (to take part in sporting events in Malaysia), hoping its citizens could see that the predominantly Muslim population of Malaysia could co-exist with people of other religions.
“Unfortunately, all these efforts were in vain as Israel subsequently continued to demonstrate its brutality and persistently killed Palestinian citizens,” he said.
Mahathir said granting access to ZIM was merely permission for a ship’s journey without showing any support for the Israeli regime and its actions of killing Palestinian people.
The government today decided to ban the Israel-based shipping company following calls by BDS Malaysia, a movement that promotes boycotts against Israeli interests.
Putrajaya had also decided to prohibit ships flying the Israeli flag from docking at any Malaysian port.
Vessels heading for Israel are also prohibited from loading cargo at Malaysian ports. - FMT

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