Malaysia envoy summoned by US over Israel policy, Bernama says

Malaysia's ambassador to the United States was summoned by the US State Department to clarify Kuala Lumpur's stance on Israel, according to Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan. Ambassador Muhammad Shahrul Ikram Yaakob reiterated Malaysia's long-standing policy of not recognizing Israel, stating, "It has always been Malaysia's policy. Our immigration policy does not recognise the State of Israel or the Zionist regime." This diplomatic engagement followed scrutiny over the "Network School" digital nomad community in Malaysia, which was alleged to include Israeli participants, leading to its closure. Eight US congressmen subsequently urged the US State Department to review security and economic ties with Malaysia and consider cutting funding for the International Military Education and Training program unless Malaysia reverses its policy on Israeli citizens within 15 days.