SHAH ALAM, Oct 28 — Malaysia’s decision to invite and engage with United States President Donald Trump directly during the 47th Asean Summit allowed Putrajaya to raise the Gaza issue in person and call for a comprehensive, lasting peace in Palestine, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said.
He added that in private discussions with Trump, as well as during the summit, he took the opportunity to voice Malaysia’s firm stance on Palestine.
“People can shout here, curse Israel, and get angry at America, but people are dying in Gaza. This meeting gave us the chance to speak directly (to Trump),” he said in a press conference after the conclusion of the summit at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre here today.
Anwar also responded to criticism over his decision to invite Trump to Malaysia, saying the US played a role in easing the attacks in Gaza and pressuring Israel to stop seizing more land in the West Bank.
He dismissed claims that engaging with the US meant Malaysia is compromising its principles.
“Who dares to speak directly to President Trump about Gaza? Every time I meet him, I raise (issues about) Gaza. I told him, thank you for the initial ceasefire, but give a full and comprehensive solution. Respect the rights of Palestinians,” he said.
He also said Malaysia’s voice on Gaza was acknowledged by Asean leaders and the US during the summit, adding that diplomacy should not be reduced to public outrage, but instead pursued via direct, respectful engagement.
“Diplomacy doesn’t mean shouting outside. You entrusted me to be Malaysia’s spokesperson, and I spoke for Palestine and Gaza,” Anwar said.
