PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has defended the invitation extended to former US President Donald Trump to attend the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur next month, dismissing criticism and reaffirming Malaysia’s commitment to raising the plight of Palestinians in Gaza on the global stage.
He stressed that diplomacy must be handled with both integrity and pragmatism, especially when navigating relationships with global powers.
“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,” Bernama reported Anwar saying during the Wira MADANI Roadshow and the 20th Anniversary celebration of the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) at the agency’s complex in Sandakan today.
Anwar noted that Malaysia’s strategic, non-aligned foreign policy has earned it continued international respect, despite its small size, citing Malaysia’s past role as a regional mediator and its principled stance on global issues.
“Just a few months ago, President Xi Jinping visited us. Next month, President Donald Trump is coming. How many small nations receive such treatment? This shows the world respects Malaysia,” he said.
He added that criticism of ties with the United States often ignores the economic importance of that relationship, particularly Malaysia’s multi-billion ringgit semiconductor exports to the US, which support tens of thousands of local jobs.
“Rejecting such ties outright would hurt the people. We must be rational. Diplomacy is not about blind allegiance, but about advancing the national interest,” he said.
The upcoming ASEAN Summit will bring together leaders from the United States, China, India, Australia, Canada, Brazil, South Africa, Japan, South Korea and all ASEAN member states. Malaysia also supports Timor-Leste’s accession as ASEAN’s 11th member, with formal inclusion expected in October.
Focus on Armed Forces Welfare
In a separate programme earlier in the day, Anwar directed that the long-delayed construction of 225 units of military housing in Batu 10, Sandakan, be expedited.
The RM190 million project has been stalled due to land issues, which he said would be resolved with the help of the Sabah state government.
“I want a full progress report within two weeks – possibly by the next Cabinet meeting. The Commander of the Armed Forces will report to me, and I want this project to move faster,” he said during a breakfast session with Royal Malaysian Navy personnel at Dewan Azim, Taman Samudera.
The Prime Minister also confirmed that the government has approved a new RM122 million jetty at the Royal Malaysian Navy’s Eastern Fleet headquarters, MAWILLA 2, this year.
General Tan Sri Mohd Nizam Jaffar, Commander of the Armed Forces, expressed gratitude for the Prime Minister’s attention to the welfare of military personnel and pledged to avoid delays in completing the housing project, which is expected to be ready by 2030.
“We take housing seriously as a key element of welfare. There must be no delays,” he said.
Mohd Nizam also thanked the government for prioritising the armed forces under the BUDI MADANI RON95 (BUDI95) fuel subsidy initiative. Around 300,000 members of the police and military now receive RON95 fuel at RM1.99 per litre – below the current market price of RM2.05. - September 27, 2025
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