Malaysia’s Prime Minister, Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, extended an invitation to President of the United States of America, Donald Trump, to be part of the upcoming ASEAN Summit on 26-28 October 2025, which Trump has since accepted. Criticisms have ensued, such as from former Prime Minister, Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, over Washington’s support for Israel and the nation’s continued action against the Palestinians.
Mahathir published his criticisms on social media, with his video message speaking about the continued US supplies to Israel through funding, weapons and military assistance “to perpetuate the killings of Palestinians”. On Trump, Mahathir said he has “openly supported and enabled the crimes against humanity currently inflicted by Israel upon the Palestinian people”.
Anwar has since addressed the criticisms, pointing out the similar sentiments that arose from inviting China’s President, Xi Jinping, and India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi. He stressed his commitment to serve all Malaysians regardless of religion, and honouring constitutional rights. Critics can choose to dismiss this as standard platitudes.
However, as further elaborated by Anwar’s senior press secretary, Tunku Nashrul Abaidah, opposing the visit is not the solution. Out of all people, Mahathir should be most familiar with the diplomatic process, the need for working relationships and not completely dismiss talks if there remains an open channel for discussion. Furthermore, Nashrul points out the fact that Malaysia is presently the ASEAN Chair. Anwar should be directly engaging Trump to effectively represent the member states.
There is always the bigger picture to consider. “The summit will not be solely on geopolitical issues,” continued Nashrul. There is always the shared agenda, which is multi-faceted: economic cooperation, investments, trade, and accelerating ASEAN to be a global economic power. Diplomacy is meant to enable these “divisive” meetings with controversial leaders, as long as communication between parties remains an option.
Malaysia can continue making a stand for the oppressed while walking the diplomatic tightrope for the long term benefit of the people. “If we reject ties outright, it is the people who suffer,” said Anwar, highlighting Malaysia’s semiconductor industry and the billions of ringgit it brings thanks to exports to the United States. There would be no easy, immediate solution should the thousands of employed Malaysians suddenly lose their jobs, and this is merely one sector.
So, yes, Anwar is not wrong to have Trump be present at the ASEAN Summit. Call it symbolic; call it a betrayal to what his leadership has stood for thus far. He is showing that Malaysia is not afraid to have direct ideological opposition against a global superpower. However, we must understand that Anwar is a leader of a sovereign nation who needs to consider factors outside of his own personal convictions. He must act to benefit the people who elected him to his position.
Then, as ASEAN Chair, he represents 10 other nations, who may not necessarily all share the same position with regards to US-Israel relations – in itself, while a critical topic of contention, it is also only one of the many agendas that are to be discussed. In this moment, he must be the one to open the floor to allow other voices to be heard, and not overrule them as the overall representative. This is from ASEAN to the United States, not merely Anwar to Trump.
Anwar now has the opportunity to showcase his full political prowess at the summit to both ASEAN member states and the world, solidifying the region and Malaysia’s capability to become the next powerhouse
