Balaji Srinivasan Pushes for Malaysia Agreement After Network School Faces Immigration Probe

Network School founder Balaji Srinivasan is pursuing a formal agreement with the Malaysian government after authorities launched an investigation into his tech community in Johor’s Forest City. The probe followed allegations that the community was hosting Israeli citizens using second passports, a claim that would violate Malaysian immigration law since the country does not recognize Israel and bars its passport holders without special permission.

Investigation Finds No Evidence So Far

Malaysia’s Home Affairs Ministry confirmed it opened the investigation this week, though early checks found that all 266 foreigners at the community held valid documentation. The allegations originated from a social media post by a pro-Palestinian activist group accusing the community of sheltering Israeli entrepreneurs.

Srinivasan Warns of Possible Exit

In a direct message to Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Srinivasan asked for a formal document confirming that his community is personally welcome in the country, not just tech investment in general. He said that without such assurance, Network School could relocate its capital elsewhere. He also confirmed he is pausing further investment in Malaysia, including a planned $122 million expansion, until he receives sufficient guarantees. Srinivasan, formerly Coinbase’s chief technology officer, launched Network School in 2024 as a physical hub for tech builders and founders.