Recognising Jerusalem as the capital of Israel will cause a rift in world trade and affect the global economy and its growth, said Minister of International Trade and Industry Mustapa Mohamed.

He said the move would not only be a threat to harmonious international trade relations and world peace but also intensify the conflict and tension in the Middle East.

 “Our economy has been growing well because of the global environment and the peace prevailing in the region, including in Malaysia.

“The move (to recognise Jerusalem) would definitely incur the wrath of Muslims.

“Therefore, we (Islamic nations) must unite to strongly oppose the proposition as it will expose the world to instability,” he told Bernama after visiting the media centre at the 2017 Umno General Assembly at the Putra World Trade Centre here today.

It was reported that US President Donald Trump will recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel today or on Thursday, and direct the State Department to begin the process of moving the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

Mustapa said the move, which has already raised concerns among many nations, would also affect the stability and growth of Malaysia's trade.

- Bernama