17-10-2023 (KUALA LUMPUR) Malaysia’s education ministry has opted to withdraw its participation from this year’s Frankfurt Book Fair, citing accusations against the organisers for adopting a pro-Israel stance. This decision comes amidst the escalating global divisions over the ongoing conflict between Israeli and Palestinian forces.
The Malaysian move to withdraw from what is renowned as the world’s largest book trade fair transpired following the announcement by the literary association Litprom, which had decided to postpone an award ceremony for a novel authored by a Palestinian writer. Litprom’s decision was prompted by the deadly attack on October 7th, carried out by the militant group Hamas in Israel.
Additionally, the fair’s organisers made a noteworthy statement on their Facebook page, indicating their intention to make Jewish and Israeli voices particularly prominent at this year’s edition.
In a statement issued late on Monday (October 16), Malaysia’s education ministry asserted, “The ministry will not compromise with Israel’s violence in Palestine, which clearly violates international laws and human rights. The decision to withdraw is in alignment with the government’s firm stance of solidarity and unwavering support for Palestine.”
Malaysia, with its predominantly Muslim population, has a longstanding history of supporting the Palestinian cause. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, in a statement earlier this week, expressed his disagreement with Western pressure to condemn Hamas and called for an immediate cessation of bombardment in Gaza. He also advocated for the establishment of a humanitarian corridor, following a telephone conversation with Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh.
