Malaysian PM rejects Trump's Jerusalem move

By Adem Slvarcioglu

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AA) - Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak said Friday the U.S. plan to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital will fail if the world unites against it.

"Many countries, including Malaysia, have expressed their objections in this regard," Razak said.

Noting his discussion on the issue with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan during a phone conversation, he said: "Erdogan is one of the few world leaders who has contacted me [over the issue]. I will speak with Erdogan again tomorrow and forward our suggestions over the issue."

Despite widespread international opposition, U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday announced his decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and relocate the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv to the holy city.

The dramatic shift in Washington’s Jerusalem policy triggered demonstrations in the occupied Palestinian territories, Turkey, Egypt, Jordan, Tunisia, Algeria, Iraq and other Muslim countries.

Jerusalem remains at the heart of the Israel-Palestine conflict, with Palestinians hoping that East Jerusalem -- now occupied by Israel -- might eventually serve as the capital of a future Palestinian state.