KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim believes Israel will use its influence against Malaysia following the government's decision to ban civil servants from using the Waze navigation application.
He said Malaysia's firm opposition to Israel meant the government's actions were likely to be closely monitored, but stressed that national security remained the priority.
"Malaysia is among the countries that strongly oppose the cruel Zionist Israeli regime.
"Naturally, our actions are being monitored.
"I believe that after this, they will use all their influence to oppose us.
"But that is all right. The people must understand," he told reporters after attending Friday prayers at Masjid Al-Mustaqim in Taman Nirwana, Ampang, today.
On Wednesday, the government announced a ban on Waze among civil servants, citing concerns over the potential misuse of government information and users' personal data by the Israeli regime.
In a statement, the Prime Minister's Office said the decision took into account Waze Mobile Ltd's status as a data controller incorporated and operating under Israeli law.
The government said the move was intended to prevent potential threats to national security and protect sensitive information.
Waze has denied allegations that it collects sensitive government information or allows third parties to exploit users' personal data.
The company described the allegations as untrue and maintained that it operates under strict privacy policies and complies with applicable data protection standards.
Waze was developed in Israel in 2008 and acquired by American technology company Google in 2013.
Its navigation service uses GPS information and reports submitted by motorists to provide real-time traffic updates, route suggestions and alerts about road hazards.
Although Waze is owned by Google, its operating company, Waze Mobile Ltd, is incorporated in Israel, and its terms of use specify Israeli law as the governing jurisdiction.
Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo clarified in Parliament yesterday that the restriction applied to civil servants carrying out official duties and did not extend to the general public.
The government has also encouraged the use of locally developed navigation applications, including TuJu, as alternatives to Waze.
However, TuJu has faced complaints over technical shortcomings, prompting LLM to announce system improvements affecting its navigation function.
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