Malaysian prime minister warns Scott Morrison his suggestion to relocate Australia’s embassy to Jerusalem could increase terror attacks in Australia
- Malaysia criticised potential Australia embassy move from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem
- Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said it could add to the ’cause of terrorism’
- The point was brought up as he met Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Thursday
- Opposition Leader Bill Shorten has also slammed the controversial suggestion
Malaysia has warned the controversial suggestion to relocate Australia’s embassy to Jerusalem could fuel terrorism.
Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad made the pressing comment during a meeting with Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison at Singapore on Thursday.
‘I pointed out that in dealing with terrorism, one has to know the causes,’ Mr Mohamad told reporters.
Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad (pictured) made the pressing comment during a meeting with Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison at Singapore on Thursday
The Morrison (pictured) Government has come under increasing fire after announcing it would consider moving Australia’s embassy from Tel Aviv in Israel to Jerusalem
‘Adding to the cause for terrorism is not going to be helpful.’
The Morrison Government has come under increasing fire after announcing it would consider moving Australia’s embassy from Tel Aviv in Israel to Jerusalem.
Palestine supporter Indonesia is furious about the potential embassy move and Jakarta for its part has put a major Indonesia-Australia trade deal on ice.
After his meeting with Indonesian President Joko Widodo on Wednesday, Mr Morrison suggested the matter would be reviewed before Christmas.
The Australian Prime Minister has also clapped back at claims former trade minister Steve Ciobo said there was ‘less than a five per cent chance’ of the move actually happening.
‘They don’t reflect the views of the government and I’m not aware of him even having said that,’ he said.
Mr Morrison has also hit back at Opposition Leader Bill Shorten, who slammed the whole ordeal.
‘If he doesn’t wish to consider the issue that’s a matter for him,’ Mr Morrison said.
The Australian Prime Minister has also clapped back at claims former trade minister Steve Ciobo said there was ‘less than a five per cent chance’ of the move actually happening
‘But Australia will determine our foreign policy issues and we’ll consider those in our time frame on our terms.’
Mr Shorten said the Prime Minister should not drag his feet and get on with the matter.
‘I don’t see why this nation has to wait until Christmas so Mr Morrison can climb off his high horse,’ he said.
‘Let’s just get on with it. No shame in admitting you’re wrong and let’s just let get onto the next issue including improving our trade opportunities in our region.’