Malaysia today expressed strong opposition to Australia recognising West Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, saying the decision is “premature and a humiliation to the Palestinians.”

In a statement, Wisma Putra reiterated Malaysia’s long-standing position that a two-state solution based on pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as the capital of Palestine, is the only viable solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

“Malaysia firmly believes that this announcement, made before the settlement of a two-state solution, is premature and a humiliation to the Palestinians and their struggle for the right to self-determination,” it said.

Wisma Putra said Malaysia would continue to work closely with all partners to find a just, comprehensive and lasting solution to the conflict.

Yesterday, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced that Australia formally recognises West Jerusalem as Israel's capital, reversing decades of Middle East policy, but said Canberra will not move its embassy there immediately.

- Bernama