Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has hit back against critics questioning why Malaysia invited US President Donald Trump to the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur next month.
He made it clear that Malaysia intends to use the summit as a platform to continue speaking out on Palestine, especially the situation in Gaza.
President Donald Trump
Anwar stressed that diplomacy isn’t just about taking sides, it’s about being smart and strategic while staying true to core values.
“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 dignified nation. But we must also be wise in making friends.”
Anwar also reminded everyone that Malaysia’s strength lies in its principles, not its size.
He also pointed out that cutting ties with the US would be short-sighted, especially considering how deeply Malaysia’s economy is linked to American markets.
“Malaysia’s semiconductor exports to the United States 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 suffer.”
Malaysia’s influence in international diplomacy
Despite being a relatively small country, Anwar said Malaysia continues to earn global respect thanks to its consistent foreign policy and clear, principled diplomacy.
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim
He cited examples like Malaysia being asked to mediate in regional conflicts, including the Thailand–Cambodia border dispute and Timor-Leste’s independence process.
“A few months ago, President Xi Jinping visited, and next month, the President of the United States, Donald Trump, will come. Few small nations receive such recognition. This proves the world respects Malaysia.”
“When there was conflict at the Thailand–Cambodia border, Malaysia was asked to mediate. Similarly, with Timor-Leste, which was once part of Indonesia but is now independent and, insya-Allah, will become Asean’s 11th member this October,” he added.
The 47th ASEAN Summit is expected to bring together leaders from the U.S., China, India, Australia, Canada, Brazil, South Africa, Japan, Korea, and all ASEAN member states, making it a major diplomatic moment for Malaysia.
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