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PM defends decision to invite Trump to Asean Summit
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim says Malaysia must be ‘wise in making friends’ and utilise diplomatic channels in defending truth and justice
Former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad had urged Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to revoke the invitation extended to US president Donald Trump to attend the 47th Asean Summit in Kuala Lumpur next month.
PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has defended the decision to invite US president Donald Trump to attend the 47th Asean Summit in Kuala Lumpur next month.
He said that Malaysia will use diplomatic channels to continue voicing concerns over Palestine, including the atrocities in Gaza, Bernama reported.
“Malaysia must be strategic in negotiations, maintaining a firm stance in defending truth and justice while pursuing diplomacy with wisdom,” he told reporters after an event in Sandakan, Sabah, today.
Although Malaysia is not a major power, Anwar said the nation continues to command respect internationally due to its consistent position in upholding justice and freedom of expression on the global stage.
“Malaysia has been outspoken in defending Palestine and Gaza but, at the same time, we utilise diplomatic channels. We are free to speak up because we are an independent and sovereign nation.
“But we must also be wise in making friends,” he added.
Anwar said the stance of certain quarters that reject relations with the US disregards the economic interests of both the people and the country, particularly in the high-technology export sector.
“Malaysia’s semiconductor exports to the US alone amount to billions of ringgit. Tens of thousands of Malaysians are employed in the sector. If we reject ties outright, it is the people who’ll suffer,” he said.
Earlier today, former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad urged the government to revoke the invitation extended to Trump to attend the 47th Asean Summit.
Mahathir said the US continues to supply Israel with funds, weapons and military assistance to perpetuate the killings of Palestinians.
“I appeal to the prime minister to revoke the invitation to Trump for he has openly supported and enabled the crimes against humanity currently inflicted by Israel upon the Palestinian people,” he said in a video posted on X.
He said the government must demonstrate clearly and unequivocally to Israel and the US that despite Malaysia’s size, the nation stands firmly and vocally against their injustice and oppression.
“Malaysians have risked their lives by joining the Global Sumud Flotilla because they cannot bear to witness the ongoing crimes against humanity,” Mahathir said.
He said by revoking the invitation, Malaysia would be sending a clear message to Trump that it will not support his complicity in Israel’s actions.
A total of 34 Malaysians are participating in the Global Sumud Flotilla humanitarian mission to Gaza.
He said that Malaysia will use diplomatic channels to continue voicing concerns over Palestine, including the atrocities in Gaza, Bernama reported.
“Malaysia must be strategic in negotiations, maintaining a firm stance in defending truth and justice while pursuing diplomacy with wisdom,” he told reporters after an event in Sandakan, Sabah, today.
Although Malaysia is not a major power, Anwar said the nation continues to command respect internationally due to its consistent position in upholding justice and freedom of expression on the global stage.
“Malaysia has been outspoken in defending Palestine and Gaza but, at the same time, we utilise diplomatic channels. We are free to speak up because we are an independent and sovereign nation.
“But we must also be wise in making friends,” he added.
Anwar said the stance of certain quarters that reject relations with the US disregards the economic interests of both the people and the country, particularly in the high-technology export sector.
“Malaysia’s semiconductor exports to the US alone amount to billions of ringgit. Tens of thousands of Malaysians are employed in the sector. If we reject ties outright, it is the people who’ll suffer,” he said.
Earlier today, former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad urged the government to revoke the invitation extended to Trump to attend the 47th Asean Summit.
Mahathir said the US continues to supply Israel with funds, weapons and military assistance to perpetuate the killings of Palestinians.
“I appeal to the prime minister to revoke the invitation to Trump for he has openly supported and enabled the crimes against humanity currently inflicted by Israel upon the Palestinian people,” he said in a video posted on X.
He said the government must demonstrate clearly and unequivocally to Israel and the US that despite Malaysia’s size, the nation stands firmly and vocally against their injustice and oppression.
“Malaysians have risked their lives by joining the Global Sumud Flotilla because they cannot bear to witness the ongoing crimes against humanity,” Mahathir said.
He said by revoking the invitation, Malaysia would be sending a clear message to Trump that it will not support his complicity in Israel’s actions.
A total of 34 Malaysians are participating in the Global Sumud Flotilla humanitarian mission to Gaza.
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