UNITED STATES President Donald Trump’s anticipated visit to Kuala Lumpur this October should not be misconstrued as a bilateral invitation from Malaysia, but rather a routine extension under the ASEAN-US framework, said a leading Malaysian policy analyst.
Tan Sri Dr Rebecca Fatima Sta Maria, director of the Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS), explained that Trump’s participation in the upcoming ASEAN Summit falls within the bloc’s multilateral arrangements and reflects Malaysia’s current role as ASEAN chair.
“It is not Malaysia inviting the US. It is ASEAN, with Malaysia as chair, inviting the US,” Bernama reported her saying. “So, he is not coming to Malaysia in a bilateral context but as part of the ASEAN-US Summit.”
She made the remarks during a panel discussion at the RAM Forum 2025: Building Resilience and Future-Proofing Amid Shifting Sands, held in Kuala Lumpur.
The clarification comes amid speculation that Trump’s visit to Malaysia signals a strengthening of US-Malaysia bilateral ties, a narrative Sta Maria cautioned against oversimplifying.
The ASEAN Summit is expected to draw leaders from across Southeast Asia and key dialogue partners, with a focus on regional security, economic recovery, and strategic partnerships. - October 3, 2025
