“This is an international sports event and swimmers from around the world who are qualified should not be barred.

“All should be allowed to enter Sarawak and represent their nations accordingly,” MoCS leader Francis Paul Siah said in a statement today.

Noting that Sarawak is a separate entity and not merely one of the 13 states, he said Sarawakians had always maintained that race and religion are not an issue in the state.

“Sarawakians have nothing against the Jews or Palestinians, and we do not wish to involve the Middle East conflict in this sports event.

“Because Malaysia is on the side of Palestine and has no diplomatic ties with Israel, Israeli swimmers are not allowed to participate in the championships in Sarawak.

“What do the Palestinians and their struggle have anything to do with a swimming event, or with Sarawak for that matter?”

Earlier this week, an activist had also reminded the authorities of Sarawak’s immigration rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963.

Zulfaqar Sa’adi said under the agreement, Sarawak had the right to allow Israelis to participate in the swim meet and could give the athletes a permit or pass to enter the state.

“They could come directly to Sarawak from Singapore without having to go through Kuala Lumpur,” he added. “It can be done.”

Siah acknowledged the suggestion but voiced hope that Sarawak would not have to resort to such measures.

“If Putrajaya wants Sarawak to host the event, then let us decide what to do and make our own decisions, including those on diplomatic relations with other nations.

“This is clearly a sports event and should be seen and considered as that – purely a sports event and nothing else. We should not bring race, religion and politics into sports.”