Sounds good to cancel all deals with Israel-linked companies such as Apple and Microsoft, but not realistic.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim explained today that while it may seem appealing to cancel all deals with Israel-linked companies like Apple and Microsoft, it is not a practical approach.
He emphasized the importance of distinguishing between companies that are linked to Israel and those that are based in Israel.
In his defence of the planned Malaysia Airport Holdings Berhad (MAHB) takeover involving Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), Anwar said a distinction must be drawn between Israel-linked and Israel-based companies.
“Our decision was on Israel (owned) companies. Apple, Microsoft, and Nvidia, all have Israel’s interests, so should we cancel (our deals with them)?
“It sounds good for people to hear, but it is not realistic,” he told the Dewan Rakyat where opposition leaders Hamzah Zainudin (PN-Larut), Muhyiddin Yassin (PN-Pagoh) and Abdul Hadi Awang (PN-Marang) were notably absent.
The prime minister was referring to the government’s decision to prohibit Israeli companies from operating in the country.
On June 22, Apple opened its first retail store in Malaysia.