We reject US decision on Jerusalem, says Najib

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia rejects the decision by the United States to recognise Jerusalem as Israel’s capital but bilateral ties with the United States will not be affected, said Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

“We can cooperate on other le­vels but when it comes to this matter, we have our own principles.

“We cannot accept it (the decision) as it involves sovereignty which was decided by a United Na­­tions Security Council resolution,” the Prime Minister told reporters after the close of the Umno general assembly.

Najib noted that the US decision on Jerusalem would make it difficult for a two-state solution.

“It will only bring a tense situation and serious bloodshed if no measures are taken to stop it.

“I was given to understand that it is not only Muslim countries that reject the decision but Christians were unhappy, and almost all of the European countries disagreed with it,” said Najib.

Asked whether the US ambassador would be summoned, the Prime Minister said Wisma Putra would inform the ambassador.

On whether Malaysia would use military force to resolve the matter, Najib said Malaysia would engage in diplomatic discussion.

“We hope that it will not reach military level,” he said.

Separately, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said Malaysia’s armed forces were ready to lend assistance in the Middle East if the situation escala­tes following the US move.

“The armed forces are on standby and will await any signal or command from the leadership to contribute in an appropriate role,” Hishammuddin, who is Umno vice-president, said in his winding-up speech at the assembly earlier.