Last week, Malaysia opposed Israel's entry into the Asian Development Bank (ADB), according to government insiders.
Although Israel's application was originally approved by the ADB's governing board in April 2022, Malaysia was the only country to vote against it.
Sixty countries supported, and three others abstained.
Malaysia acknowledges that Israel's participation in the ADB is a complicated issue, especially when considering global events at this time.
However, the government is aware that reacting too quickly can negatively affect the country's economy.
ADB was established in 1966 with the goal of increasing prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region and reducing poverty.
Each of its 69 member states has a seat on the governing body.
Malaysia's current representative is Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who also serves as Finance Minister.
Thailand's Supak Chaiyawan represents Malaysia, Brunei, Nepal, Singapore, and Thailand on the ADB board of directors, with Nurussa'adah Muharram Brunei serving as an alternate director.
