KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today acknowledged that some excerpts of his interviews with international media discussing Israel could be taken out of context.

In addressing this, Anwar said while there might have been some disagreement with the choice of words used, such matters should not be prolonged.

"I have given numerous interviews (with international media), including CNN, Al Jazeera and Bloomberg.

"Some excerpts may have been taken out of context, and if there are disagreements with a word or two, that is fine. I do not want to argue over that.

"However, it is not fair to link these statements and insult us, especially when we are steadfastly opposing these issues.

"For me, this is not about politics. It is an issue rooted in our decades-long struggle (in defending Palestine,)" he said during Prime Minister's Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat today.

The prime minister, who recently had his interview with CNN taken out of context, also firmly reiterated that within the context of the United Nations (UN), Israel's existence as a state was considered de facto recognition.

However, he emphasised that Malaysia still did not recognise Israel as a state.

"I understand that I have been misrepresented on this issue. Let me clarify that, within the context of the UN, it is considered a matter of state rights.

"However, Israel has never been recognised by us, from the beginning.

"This is not just under my leadership, but since the time of Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj," he said.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/11/1137493/anwar-clarifies-misquoted-israel-comments-affirms-malaysias-stance