Former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad recently called for the government to cancel its invitation to US President Donald Trump for the upcoming 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur.
In a video posted on social media, Mahathir accused Trump and the US of being key players in what he described as Israel’s genocide in Palestine.
“Palestinians are not only being killed by bombs and weapons, but also by famine that has been deliberately manufactured,” he said.
Mahathir stressed that Malaysia, even as a small nation, must take a stand.
“We cannot remain silent. The government and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim must step forward to state Malaysia’s position against the brutality of Israel and the US. This is a moral responsibility for our nation,” he explained.
He urged Anwar to withdraw Trump’s invitation, saying, “I appeal to Anwar to rescind Trump’s invitation, as he is complicit in the crimes against humanity being committed by Israel against the Palestinians.”
President Donald Trump
Mahathir also slammed the US for continuing to fund and arm Israel, enabling further violence.
“By cancelling Trump’s invitation, Malaysia would send a clear message that he is a criminal and a child-killer,” he said.
He added that the US actively blocks efforts to stop the destruction in Gaza. “A person like Trump, no matter how powerful, should not be welcomed in Malaysia.”
Praised other countries for aiding Palestine
Mahathir pointed to recent moves by European countries recognising Palestine as a sign that the tide is turning.
“He said these countries, including Britain, a long-time ally of the US, have taken a step that displeases Trump’s administration.”
He also praised Spain and Italy for sending warships to protect the Global Sumud Flotilla, a humanitarian mission involving Malaysians.
“Meanwhile, Spain and Italy have deployed their warships to the Mediterranean to protect the Global Sumud Flotilla, which also involves Malaysians working to deliver humanitarian aid to Palestine,” he shared.
On the other hand, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim recently defended the decision to invite Trump, saying the summit is a chance to raise Malaysia’s concerns directly with global leaders.
He rebuked critics questioning the invitation extended to Trump, saying that Malaysia will use the summit to continue voicing concerns over Palestine, including the atrocities in Gaza.
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