Simon Wiesenthal Center Denounces Malaysian Government-Linked Media's Allegations of Jewish Plot

July 18, 2011

The Simon Wiesenthal Center, a leading Jewish Human Rights NGO condemned the editors of UTUSAN MALAYASIA, a newspaper linked to the Malaysian government for conjuring up the specter of a Jewish plot to interfere in the Asian nation's affairs.

Editorial statements, which appeared in wake of a demonstration by 20,000 protesters in Kuala Lumpur demanding greater transparency in the nation's electoral process, warned, “Muslims and Malaysians should not allow any party, especially Jews from interfering in the affairs of the country.” Another statement declared, “When the drums in the name of basic human rights becomes louder, it gives an opportunity to pro-Jewish groups to interfere in any Muslim country.”

“When in doubt, ‘blame the Jews’ is an axiom of all anti-Semites,” said Rabbi Abraham Cooper, associate dean of the Simon Wiesenthal Center. “Sadly, this tactic was used by former President Mahathir and is being deployed again to drive a wedge between the citizens of Malaysia, none of whom are Jews.

“Apparently the editors of this newspaper did not get the memo about the Arab Spring, inspired largely by Muslims across North Africa, the Middle East, Gulf States and beyond demanding more freedom and democracy. It isn’t World Jewry who are driving members of minorities to the streets, but the growing desire by minorities to have equal rights and opportunities,” Cooper added.

“We urge responsible political and religious leaders of all faiths and responsible media outlets in Malaysia to condemn the spreading of these hateful lies. The Malaysian and Jewish peoples deserve better,” Cooper concluded.

The Simon Wiesenthal Center is one of the largest international Jewish human rights organizations with over 400,000 member families in the United States. It is an NGO at international agencies including the United Nations, UNESCO, the OSCE, the OAS, the Council of Europe and the Latin American Parliament (Parlatino).

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