KUALA LUMPUR, 28 September 2025 — Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has staunchly defended his decision to invite former U.S. President Donald Trump to the upcoming 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, pushing back on former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad’s call to withdraw the invitation due to America’s support of Israel. Anwar asserted that Malaysia, as ASEAN chair, must be “wise in making friends” and that the summit would provide a platform to articulate Malaysia’s diplomatic stance, particularly on the Gaza conflict.
Mahathir, in a public message, criticized the move, accusing Trump of enabling what he described as “crimes against humanity” in Gaza and insisting that Malaysia should not host a leader with such a record.
At a public event in Sabah, Anwar reiterated that inviting Trump is consistent with Malaysia’s dual objectives: speaking up for the Palestinian people, and engaging diplomatically with key powers to serve Malaysia’s national interests. He said Malaysia would continue “upholding truth and justice, but in a wise and strategic manner.”
He also cautioned against interpreting the invitation as a domestic endorsement of U.S. policy. Rather, Anwar framed it as pragmatic diplomacy: “We are free to speak up because we are an independent and dignified nation. But we must also be wise in making friends.”
Beyond the geopolitical optics, Anwar emphasized the economic dimension. He warned that unilaterally severing ties with the U.S. could harm Malaysia’s exports and the semiconductor industry, which relies heavily on the U.S. market. Tens of thousands of Malaysians are employed in this sector, he noted, making outright rejection of U.S. engagement potentially harmful to the people.
Anwar also took the opportunity to highlight his success in attracting global attention to Malaysia. Pointing to recent visits by Chinese President Xi Jinping and the scheduled attendance of Trump, he asserted that few small states receive that kind of diplomatic recognition—which, he argued, signals respect for Malaysia’s role in the region.
As ASEAN chair, Malaysia is set to host the summit from 26 to 28 October 2025, with Trump’s participation confirmed after a phone call with Anwar earlier this year. The summit is expected to draw a large roster of world leaders and will be among the most high-profile ASEAN gatherings to date.
Broader Analysis & Stakes
Anwar’s defense portrays Malaysia’s upcoming diplomacy as a balancing act—affirming values while preserving relationships. Inviting Trump enables Malaysia to host a global stage for ASEAN and to engage Washington directly. At the same time, Mahathir’s pushback reflects deeper tensions over principle, moral leadership, and Malaysia’s legacy in championing the Palestinian cause.
For investors and observers, this episode underscores a few dynamics:
- Diplomatic positioning vs domestic optics: Anwar is navigating domestic criticism while trying to present Malaysia as a center of regional diplomacy. How he threads this needle may impact public confidence and political support.
- Economic leverage in diplomacy: By referencing Malaysia’s tech exports to the U.S., Anwar signals that country relationships cannot be easily severed without economic consequences—a message to both foreign and domestic audiences.
- ASEAN visibility & legacy: As chair, Malaysia seeks to project competence and leadership. Hosting a high-profile U.S. leader heightens expectations for a successful summit and positions Malaysia as a vital regional broker.
The invitation to Trump will test Malaysia’s ability to steward ASEAN’s role amid increasing geopolitical polarization—balancing moral stances, regional unity, and pragmatic engagement.
