ISTANBUL: Although Malaysia condemns United States’ stance in recognising Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, restricting investments from US investors is not the wisest of move.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said that the country should differentiate between advantageous relations with the US and the attitude of the administration that is not in line with Malaysia’s stand.
“We must not restrict US investors from investing in Malaysia just because of President Donald Trump’s decision,” he told reporters here on Wednesday.
Najib was commenting on the two countries’ relations following Malaysia’s tough stance on the issue during the Extraordinary Summit of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
He explained that not all US citizens support Trump’s decision.
At the same time, Najib expressed hope that the US would withdraw its recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and assist in forging peace between Palestine and Israel through the two-state solution.
Najib, considered to be among the leaders close to Trump, said that the bilateral talks with the US government must be carried out in the hope that the country will realise the importance of finding a fair and peaceful resolution.
During the summit on Wednesday, OIC member countries have unanimously recognised Jerusalem as the capital of Palestine and urged the international community to do the same.
It had also declared that Trump’s action as invalid and void under the law, amounting the move to an attempt to weaken all peace efforts, and encourage extremism and terrorism.
The organisation – which counts Saudi Arabia and Iran among its members – stressed that all its 57 members are committed to a comprehensive resolution to safeguard peace in the region.
In regards to the bilateral meeting with Jordan’s King Abdullah II at the tail end of the summit, Najib said that the ruler stressed that Muslims must be wise in tackling the issue.
Najib said this is in order to prevent their actions from being misinterpreted by the international community and negatively affect the image of Muslims.
“I have informed them that a moderate approach can play a role in showing Muslims as a community that exercises tolerance and are open to constructive criticism,” he said.
He added that the bilateral meeting clearly showed that Jordan regards Malaysia as a country that fully backs the Palestinian’s cause.