{
  "id": 77607,
  "title": "How Israeli presence in Forest City exposes the Zionist-aligned underbelly of Malaysia",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/03/how-israeli-presence-in-forest-city-exposes-the-zionist-aligned",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-03T08:49:22.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Middle East Eye",
    "slug": "middle-east-eye",
    "url": "https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/how-israeli-presence-forest-city-exposes-zionist-aligned-underbelly-malaysia"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In a development that has sparked controversy and debate, Israeli nationals have been found operating within Malaysia's Forest City, a region known for its ambitious development projects. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim issued a clear message, stating that any Israeli nationals found in the country would be immediately deported, asserting Malaysia's firm stance that it would \"not compromise\" on its immigration policies.\n\nThe controversy centers around the Network School, a private residential and technology community situated in the southern state of Johor. Johor Chief Minister Dato Onn Hafiz Ghazi announced that the Iskandar Puteri City Council and relevant agencies would examine the business regulations of the Network School. The federal Home Affairs Ministry subsequently ordered a probe into the allegations.\n\nFollowing the investigations, the Immigration Department reported that all 379 foreign nationals at the Network School had been cleared of any violations, although 19 individuals' movements could not be traced. These untraced individuals may have entered or left the country illegally, according to Dato Zakaria Shaaban, Director-General of the Immigration Department.\n\nThe Network School's founder, Balaji Srinivasan, a former Silicon Valley venture capitalist and supporter of the Zionist cause, announced his desire to meet with the Malaysian prime minister to restore confidence in Malaysia as an attractive investment destination. Srinivasan's venture, the Network State, aims to become a \"startup country\" built from the internet up, financed by prominent tech entrepreneurs and crypto firms.\n\nCritics argue that the Network State model bears similarities to historical settler projects, as it envisions digitally organized communities purchasing or controlling physical land. Some scholars have pointed to Srinivasan's frequent references to Israel as a potential reflection of his admiration for the country's state-building experience. In 2024, Srinivasan established the Network School in Forest City, Malaysia, further intensifying the scrutiny surrounding the region's development.",
  "summary": "How Israeli presence in Forest City exposes the Zionist-aligned underbelly of Malaysia Submitted by Miriyam Ilavenil on Fri, 07/31/2026 - 09:12 The controversy has fuelled debate over the country's pro-Palestine policy and broader questions about Zionist control People hold placards and Palestinian flags during a demonstration marking Al-Quds (Jerusalem) Day after Friday prayers in Kuala Lumpur,…",
  "key_points": [
    "Israeli nationals operating in Malaysia's Forest City",
    "Network School under scrutiny for immigration violations",
    "Founder Balaji Srinivasan's ties to Zionist cause"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": "https://urgent.news/ill/77607.png",
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "South China Morning Post",
        "title": "Scam raids of Malaysia’s Forest City prompt governance questions",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/03/scam-raids-of-malaysias-forest-city-prompt-governance-questions",
        "published": "2026-08-03T09:00:09.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}