Israel is trying to deflect attacks against their “pal” opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim by exposing alleged commercial links between Malaysia and the Middle Eastern nation.
“Israel is now trying to help Anwar by releasing details of trade between between the two countries,” said former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad at a press conference in Serdang today.
“This is to show that Anwar is not the only one dealing with them. That other people are also doing it,” he explained further.
Mahathir also accused his former protege of being “best friends” with Israel since way back, calling the former deputy prime minister a chameleon who changes his appearance according to whom he was approaching.
“When he is with Chinese, he becomes a Chinese. When he is with Malays, he becomes an ulama ,” sniped Mahathir.
Mahathir was commenting on reports of commerce between Malaysia and Israel, which may be done on the sly as Malaysia does not have diplomatic relations with the Jewish state.
In past weeks, the opposition had also unearthed allegations that Malaysia had been shipping palm oil based cooking oil to Israel via Johor Baru, hitting out at alleged links between Malaysia and Israel.
Anwar had come under fire from BN leaders after being quoted by the Asian Wall Street Journal of being supportive of efforts to maintain Israel’s security.
Najib target of 'regime change'
Mahathir also repeated his claim that Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak is the target of a “regime change” exercise by the Jews and the US who wants to see Anwar replace him.
However asked if he has any advise to the beleaguered PM, Mahathir only advocated caution.
“I don’t think I should advise him. I am warning him that he is the target of a regime change, be careful,” offered Mahathir.
Commenting on a recent foreign media report that Malaysia has stopped palm oil shipments to Iran, Mahathir said that Malaysia may have been forced to do so because of pressure being brought to bear by the US.
“We are independent, but not really free,” admitted the veteran politician.
28 comments