People's sensitivity on issues associated with Israel must be respected - Ahmad Zahid

Malaysia has a clear policy regarding diplomatic relations with Israel and the DAP should not breach that policy, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

He said the sensitivity of the people in the country with regard to issues associated with Israel should be respected.

In fact, he said, the DAP's partners in the opposition did not share its view in the matter.

"It is needless for me to name any party but I believe the DAP should not consider the matter from only its viewpoint ... it should look at it from the aspect of the sensitivity of the majority of the people in the country," he told reporters after closing the the'Priority Declaration 2016: Economy is our Priority' event here.

Ahmad Zahid was asked to comment on a Perak DAP leader's reported criticism of Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin for having denied visa to two Israeli windsurfers scheduled to compete in a tournament in Langkawi.

The DAP leader has reportedly withdrawn the criticism.

More than 400 athletes from 80 countries are participating in the International Sailing Federation 2015 (ISAF) Youth World Championships from yesterday to Jan 3, 2016.