[IsraelTimes] Malaysia’s government has remained defiant despite losing the rights to host the World Para Swimming Championships after it banned Israelis from competing in the event. The event is a qualifying competition for the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics.Malaysian Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman was unapologetic. He said that Malaysia will not compromise on its decision "on the ground of humanity and compassion for the Paleostinian plight."
The ban prompted the International Paralympic Committee on Sunday to withdraw Malaysia’s hosting rights. The event involves some 70 countries and was to be staged July 29-August 4.
"Politics and sport are never a good mix," said IPC President Andrew Parsons in a statement after the body’s governing board made the decision in London. "We are disappointed that Israeli athletes would not have been allowed to compete in Malaysia."
The government earlier this month said no Israeli delegates can enter Malaysia for sporting or other events in solidarity with the Paleostinians.
A mainly Moslem country, Malaysia is a strong supporter of the Paleostinian cause and does not have diplomatic relations with Israel. Its prime minister, Mahathir Mohamad, now 93 and in his second stint as prime minister, has attracted criticism for his verbal attacks on Jews over the years, including anti-Semitic comments calling them "hook-nosed" and accusing them of controlling the world.
Earlier this month, Israel’s Foreign Ministry denounced Malaysia for banning the Israelis from the summer’s championships on the island of Borneo, calling the move "shameful" and saying that if the athletes aren’t allowed in, a new host should be found.
| And now they will be certain that it is the Jooooooos, rather than common decency, who control all. |
The IPC said in its Sunday statement that in 2017, when it signed the contract with Malaysia, the government had provided assurances that all athletes would be able to participate without discrimination. But a regime change that saw Mahathir rise again to power meant those assurances were withdrawn.