Thousands protest in Malaysia after U.S. recognition of Jerusalem as Israel capital

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec. 8 (Xinhua) -- Thousands of people took to streets in Malaysia on Friday to protest against U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

The protesters, holding Palestinian flags and placards bearing anti-U.S. slogans, marched to the front of the U.S. embassy and demanded the U.S. government to revoke its decision, shouting "Jerusalem is the capital city of Palestine."

Security measures of the U.S. embassy compound was tightened as dozens of riot police were deployed to prevent protesters from entering.

The protests came after Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak said in his speech at the ruling UMNO party's general assembly on Thursday that Malaysia would never accept the proposal to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

The Malaysian foreign ministry also released a strongly worded statement urging the United States to reconsider its decision.

Protests revolving around the issue also erupted in other Muslim-majority nations such as Indonesia.

Governments and leaders in the world have expressed their disapproval of Trump's decision, saying it would bring more repercussions to world peace and regional stability. Enditem