Board of Deputies applauds decision to strip Malaysia of swimming championships

Board of Deputies President Marie van der Zyl has reacted to the International Paralympic Committee’s decision to strip Malaysia of the World Para Swimming Championships following its ban on Israel athletes.

She said: “We commend the International Paralympic Committee for this important and principled decision. Malaysia’s Prime Minister continues to heap shame upon his office for his overtly racist comments against Jews. Now, his attempts to obstruct the inclusive purpose of the World Para Swimming Championships by banning Israeli athletes has been rightly blocked. It is a pity for ordinary Malaysians that their Prime Minister’s bigotry has deprived them of the opportunities Championships present. We hope that, wherever their new home, the Championships will be a tremendous, inclusive and sporting success.”