FORMER Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob has expressed confidence in the government’s discretion over a potential visit by United States President Donald Trump, saying any decision must be guided by international diplomatic principles, especially in light of Malaysia’s current role as ASEAN Chair.
Speaking during an interview with Sinar Harian, Ismail Sabri said the issue should be viewed through the lens of Malaysia’s foreign policy and regional commitments under the Zone of Peace, Freedom and Neutrality (ZOPFAN).
“In the matter of Trump’s invitation, I trust the current leadership knows what must be done. Let us leave it to their wisdom,” he said.
He stressed that ASEAN has a key role to play in maintaining balance in relations with global powers such as the United States and China, particularly in areas of economic cooperation.
At the same time, the former UMNO Vice President reaffirmed Malaysia’s long-standing and consistent position on Palestine, stating that the nation has always recognised Palestinian statehood and strongly opposed Israeli aggression.
“Malaysia has always been consistent in its stand against Israel and in recognising Palestine as a sovereign nation.
“The world’s failure to stop Israeli atrocities is largely due to the veto power in the United Nations, often used by the United States to block resolutions involving Israel,” he said.
Ismail Sabri added that during his premiership, he raised the issue at the United Nations, calling for the abolition of the veto power, which he described as the main obstacle to holding Israel accountable.
“As long as the veto exists, any resolution will be blocked by the US,” he noted.
An UMNO Loyalist
Ismail Sabri also dismissed assumptions that he had withdrawn from politics, stating that although he is no longer prominent in national discourse, he remains active as the UMNO Division Chief for Bera and as the area’s Member of Parliament.
“I have not left politics entirely. Some think I’m inactive, but I’m still the UMNO Division Chief.
“When I was Prime Minister, I had limited time for Bera. Now that I hold no major post, I must focus on the constituency because it is the voters in Bera who brought me to where I am today,” he said.
In 2023, Ismail Sabri chose not to defend his position as UMNO Vice President, a role he had held since December 2018. At the time, UMNO Secretary-General Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan suggested that the decision could reflect that Ismail Sabri had reached the peak of his political career.
Nonetheless, the former Prime Minister insisted he remains loyal to UMNO and its founding struggle, even without holding a high-ranking party position.
“Though no longer in a key leadership role, I remain loyal to UMNO. Some say I’m the only one who still loves the party.
“If I wanted to switch parties, I could have done so at any time. Many have approached me.
“But my principle is clear. I will continue to support and remain in UMNO, despite the many challenges,” he said. - October 1, 2025
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