Australia may sour ties with ASEAN if embassy moves to Jerusalem - Anwar

Malaysia’s PM in-waiting Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim warned that Australia could jeopardise its relations with ASEAN countries by recognising Jerusalem as Israel's capital and moving its embassy there from Tel Aviv.

Anwar said, Australia should not condone any act that supports injustice and has urged all ASEAN countries to oppose any such move.

“I hope Australian government is not serious in this proposal to support unreasonable American decision to set up their embassy in Jerusalem.

“The problem is politics of dispossession and people have been deprived of their rights and you must not be seen as condoning the unjust as practices of the Israeli government,” he said.

“Australia is part of Asia and they take lots of pride to become the neighbours of ASEAN in Asia. I believe if they country proceed with the plan, its neighbouring countries in ASEAN must register a very, very strong protest against the Australian government,” he warned.

Australia’s new prime minister, Scott Morrison said on Tuesday he was open to move its embassy to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv and described it as a sensible proposal.

However, Morrison said no decision had been made there had been no discussion on the matter with the United States, which has already moved its embassy to Jerusalem.