Monday 28 April 2008

Proud to be Malaysian?

From BBC: Chelsea visit sparks Malaysia row:

Malaysian Muslim groups have called for protests when Chelsea football club visits in July because the coach, Avram Grant, and a player are Israeli.

An alliance of 21 Muslim groups is angry the Malaysian authorities have given permission for the Israelis to visit the country with the London club.

Malaysia has no diplomatic relations with Israel, and the Malay Muslim majority is strongly pro-Palestinian.

Malaysian citizens are banned by their government from visiting Israel.

The Muslim groups said allowing Mr Grant and midfielder Tal Ben Haim into Malaysia for the pre-season match would be "insensitive" to the Palestinian people.

"Malaysians should boycott the match," said spokesman Muhammad Azmi.

"We should unite with the Palestinian people and fight for an independent homeland for them."

Mr Azmi said the alliance of Muslim organisations would hold a protest at the stadium ahead of the game on 29 July.
What? First I find out we have China supporters, and now I find out that I'm apparently pro-Palestinian (Before you jump to conclusions, allow me to explain that I am insufficiently versed in the Palestine-Israel conflict to consciously choose a side, even if I wanted to choose a side). Nice. Another stupid Malaysian comment. Right up there with the ever popular 'women get raped because they are seductive' sentiment.

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