Malaysian armed forces 'ready and awaiting instructions' after Trump's Jerusalem move

Israeli retaliation strikes kill two Palestinian gunmenClose

Malaysian armed forces stand "ready" and are waiting for instructions from the top leadership if they need to play a role after the US President Donald Trump recognised Jerusalem as Israel's capital, said the country's defence minister.

Hishammuddin Hussein said the Muslim-majority nation's military should be prepared for any repercussions emerging from the decision, which has has sent shockwaves across Muslim nations and attracted widespread condemnation.

"We have to be prepared for any possibilities. The ATM [Malaysian Armed Forces] has always been ready, waiting for instructions from the top leadership," said the defence minister.

Malaysia was among dozens of countries which vociferously condemned Washington's decision to unilaterally consider Jerusalem – a city considered holy by both Israelis and Palestinians – as the Israeli capital. President Donald Trump's announcement had triggered a series of angry responses not just from the volatile Middle East but also from other continents, Europe and Asia.

While Israel regards entire Jerusalem, which is at the heart of the Israel-Palestine conflict, as its capital, Palestinians hope East Jerusalem will one day become their capital when a state of Palestine is formed in the future.

"Let us pray that this dispute would not lead to chaos," added the Malaysian defence minister without elaborating on why he referred to the military being kept ready. But, Hussein insisted Trump's decision was a "slap in the face for the entire Muslim world".

In neighbouring Indonesia, which has the world's largest population of Muslims, thousands had gathered outside the American diplomatic mission in Jakarta to protest against the move.

Earlier, Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak had called for unity in the Muslim world to rally against the US move. "If the world is united, there is hope in foiling the US proposal to make Jerusalem the capital of Israel. As an Islamic country, it is very important that we engage in any action to save Jerusalem."