KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia respects the sovereign decisions of countries that have normalised relations with Israel, while maintaining its position as a neutral nation, the Dewan Rakyat was told.

Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said Malaysia’s foreign policy regarding Israel has always been firm and clear, noting that the country has never recognised Israel as a sovereign state.

“Malaysia does not engage in any direct diplomatic relations or institutions with Israel.

“Regarding countries that have normalised relations with Israel, the government holds the view that such a step is the sovereign right of each country.

“As a neutral nation, Malaysia respects those decisions,” he said in a written parliamentary reply on Monday.

Mohamad said this in response to Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang (PN–Marang), who asked about Malaysia’s position on Islamic countries or leaders that have normalised relations with Israel.

He added that Malaysia remains steadfast in its foreign policy, fully supporting the rights of the Palestinians and advocating the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state based on the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

“We will continue to support concrete efforts towards achieving a just and lasting solution through negotiations involving the relevant parties, based on international law and pertinent United Nations resolutions,” he said