PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has declared that Malaysia was the only country to have taken a bold stand by directly addressing the Gaza issue before United States President Donald Trump, urging a comprehensive solution to the ongoing conflict.
Speaking during the Prime Minister’s Question Time (PMQT) in the Dewan Rakyat on Tuesday, Anwar said Malaysia had already taken the “maximum approach” by personally conveying the country’s position to Trump during his visit for the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur last month.
“The issue of Gaza requires a comprehensive solution. What more can we say? That is already the maximum,” Anwar told the House. “Which country has had the courage to speak directly to Trump? I did, because I represented Malaysia.”
“President Trump visited several countries — how many of them told him to his face that a comprehensive solution was needed? None. We did it, and we did it openly,” he said.
Anwar explained that he raised the matter on three separate occasions publicly during the summit, in addition to a private discussion held with Trump inside the US presidential vehicle, *The Beast*.
He said Malaysia’s direct appeal for a comprehensive and inclusive resolution to the Gaza conflict reflected the nation’s moral responsibility and commitment to international justice.
“I am not asking for praise, but to be cursed in the name of religion — that I find repulsive,” Anwar said, criticising opposition politicians for questioning his administration’s efforts on Gaza. “They ignore the facts and continue to attack even though Malaysia has done its utmost.”
The prime minister said he also discussed other strategic issues with Trump during their private conversation, including Malaysia’s relations with China, invitations to Brazil and South Africa for the ASEAN Summit, and trade matters.
Anwar has repeatedly defended his decision to engage with the US president, saying Malaysia’s diplomatic platform was used responsibly to raise humanitarian concerns while protecting national interests.
Last week, an opposition lawmaker had urged Anwar to remind Trump that Israeli air strikes on Gaza continued despite the announcement of a ceasefire and promises of a comprehensive peace framework. - November 4, 2025
