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Malaysia stands firm in rejecting US recognition of Jerusalem despite Trump's threat: Zahid

PETALING JAYA — Malaysia remains adamantly against the US recognition of Jerusalem as the Israeli capital notwithstanding a veiled warning by US President Donald Trump that he would "take names" of critics, said Mr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

Malaysia remains adamantly against the US recognition of Jerusalem as the Israeli capital notwithstanding a veiled warning by US President Donald Trump that he would "take names" of critics, said Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

Malaysia remains adamantly against the US recognition of Jerusalem as the Israeli capital notwithstanding a veiled warning by US President Donald Trump that he would "take names" of critics, said Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

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PETALING JAYA — Malaysia remains adamantly against the US recognition of Jerusalem as the Israeli capital notwithstanding a veiled warning by US President Donald Trump that he would "take names" of critics, said Mr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

The deputy prime minister added that Malaysia's commitment to the Palestinian claim on Jerusalem would not be shaken by concerns about possible diplomatic reprisals.

"In order to defend Jerusalem, we have never felt worried if any country wants to take diplomatic action or otherwise, including 'taking names,'" he told reporters on Thursday (Dec 21) after a working visit to the factory of Datasonic, the manufacturer of Malaysian passports.

His remarks also come on the eve of a forum and a public rally led by Prime Minister Najib Razak and PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang to protest the US move.

Mr Trump also threatened to cut off aid to nations that vote against his country's move at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, which will deliberate on the controversial matter.

Every member of the UN Security Council other than the US has already formally rejected the move.

On Thursday, Mr Zahid said Mr Trump's threat of withholding aid was of little consequence to Malaysia that was not a major recipient of such assistance.

"We are not only a receiving country. We are also a giving country," he said.

Mr Zahid also stressed that trade and defence ties should be carved out from any diplomatic position on Jerusalem.

"We believe the US can (also) separate this issue from other issues," he said.

Mr Trump's recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel was denounced almost universally.  MALAY MAIL ONLINE

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