Protests against Anwar Ibrahim continued today with about 50 retired army personnel holding a signature campaign at a shopping centre in Kuala Lumpur, claiming that they were “humiliated” by the opposition leader’s statement on Israel.

Clad in white shirts displaying the 1Malaysia logo, and in the company of  pro-Umno NGO members, the group gathered in front of the Sogo shopping centre at 3pm.

umno youth arman azhar in blue veteran army association chairman mohd Ali Baharom in spec against anwar ibrahim israel They erected banners that read, among others, “Anwar betrays Palestinian struggle” and “Musuh dalam selimut” (Hidden enemies).

They also hung two gigantic banners on a tree urging the public to register their opposition to Anwar’s statement by inking their banners.

“As former army personnel, we are humiliated when Anwar said he supports Israel - a cruel regime that defies international laws,” said Malay Veteran Army Association chairperson Mohd Ali Baharom.

The former Royal Malay Regiment army who served from 1989 to 1998 said Anwar did not understand the blood and sweat the armies have invested in safeguarding the country.

"He was never a soldier, that's why he does not understand. I think he should ask his daughter Nurul Izzah to join Askar Wataniah ( Territorial Army) , or else he should retract his statements on Israel and apologise to all Malaysians," he said.

The group that comprises Umno Youths and Concerned Malay Organisations generated substantial public attention from the weekend shopping crowd by approaching them to sign their document while breaking into "1Malaysia" chants from time to time.

Despite Anwar's explanation that he had also told The Wall Street Journal that "it remained contingent on Israel to respect the aspirations of the Palestinians" in the same interview, Mohd Ali could not accept it.

"Anwar should not have politicised the issue in the first place as Israelis are definitely wrong to have persecuted the Palestinians. What is wrong is wrong," he said.

Can't comment on Apco

However, when questioned about the alleged trade ties between Israel and Malaysia, he said Malaysia as a free country is open to all where business is concerned.

Asked again whether he felt Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak was equally bad to have allegedly engaged an Israeli-linked public relations firm Apco, his reply was:

"I'm not aware of this issue. So I can't comment."

Meanwhile, Umno Youth leader Arman Azhar stressed that Malaysia does not recognise Israel, a stand which is in vast contrast to Anwar's.

"If he does not retract his words, we can start taking the PKR headquarters in Damansara Utama as Israel's embassy," he said.

The group vowed to collect as many signatures as possible before  submitting it to PAS headquarters next week.

The group dispersed about an hour later with banners covered in signatures.