Religious affairs minister Na’im Mokhtar said Muslims should not be swayed by claims made by parties that are not based on facts, Bernama reported.

He was referring to an allegation by a social media influencer alleging that the country’s defence system would be controlled by foreign parties as a result of business dealings involving the US-based investment company BlackRock.

“This allegation has indeed deviated from the actual facts, as clarified by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in Parliament recently, stating that BlackRock’s investment does not affect ownership and management aspects of airports and national defence,” Naim said in a statement today.

He said the Prime Minister’s Department (PMD) viewed the accusation seriously. He reminded the people to be cautious of the efforts by irresponsible parties attempting to instil fear and insecurity using sources that are defamatory and unreliable.

He said the religious affairs unit of the PMD “for the umpteenth time, wishes to reaffirm the government’s stance and solidarity with the Palestinians who are facing the atrocities of Israel”.

On June 21, Anwar reminded all parties, including the opposition, not to politicise BlackRock’s involvement in the privatisation of Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB).

He said that while everyone has the right to disagree with the government, they should not undermine its efforts in raising issues concerning Gaza.

BlackRock is acquiring the New York-based investment firm Global Infrastructure Partners, which together with Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, is acquiring a 30% stake in government-controlled MAHB. The remaining 70% stake will be owned by sovereign wealth fund Khazanah Nasional and EPF.