KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 28 — Two days after the “protocol-breaking” car ride with United States President Donald Trump from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) to the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim revealed details of his private chat with the president.
In a press conference after the 47th Asean Summit here today, Anwar said much of the discussion centred on the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and touched on trade tariffs and Malaysia’s ties with regional partners.
“I made full use of the opportunity to engage, and to Trump’s credit, he’s a good listener,” Anwar said.
“He gave some views, and I politely disagreed with some issues. He wanted to know our relations with our neighbours, with China, why we invited Brazil and South Africa, and I engaged (with him).
“On the reciprocal tariff, I said the 19 per cent (imposed on Malaysia) is still high. He has now imposed a 0 per cent tariff on some of our major exports, including semiconductors. I thanked him for that.”
After that, the two leaders discussed the situation in Gaza, where Anwar urged for a comprehensive solution. Trump, Anwar said, gave his commitment to ensure peace in the war-torn enclave.
“I said to him that if you talk about lasting peace, it must be comprehensive. He answered that this is the first phase, and that he’s working on it.
“I felt that I was in a fortunate position because he allowed me to have a four-eyed meeting with him in private, and I must confess he listens very attentively.”
Anwar also hit back at critics who lambasted him for sharing the car ride with Trump, saying it allowed him a unique opportunity.
“What do you expect me to do? I did my best to express my voice of conscience, of what Malaysians want. Had he not been here, there wouldn’t be this opportunity.”
On Sunday, upon arrival in Malaysia, Trump invited Anwar to ride with him in his official vehicle, The Beast, from KLIA to the 47th Asean Summit.
Anwar said the 45-minute trip broke standard security protocols but reflected goodwill between the two leaders.
