The anticipated visit of U.S. President Donald Trump to Kuala Lumpur during the 47th ASEAN Summit this October is more than just a high-profile diplomatic event as it is a litmus test for Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s political maturity and strategic vision.
The visit comes at a time of
intensifying geopolitical rivalry, domestic political sensitivities, and global
ideological fractures. In the eyes of many, hosting Trump, a figure widely
criticized for his pro-Israel policies and controversial legacy, appears at
odds with Malaysia’s steadfast defence of the Palestinian cause.
Yet, beneath the surface, Anwar's
decision represents a complex and calculated balancing act between principle
and pragmatism, a move that seeks to protect Malaysia’s national interests in
an increasingly multipolar world.
Since his student activism days,
Anwar Ibrahim has built a personal and political identity rooted in justice for
oppressed peoples, especially the Palestinians. His long-standing support for
Palestine is not merely performative; it’s deeply ideological and central to
his public persona.
In Malaysia, a Muslim-majority
country with strong emotional and political ties to the Palestinian struggle, this
position holds significant domestic value. Anwar has frequently championed
Malaysia’s commitment to the two-state solution, condemned Israeli aggression,
and led international advocacy on behalf of Gaza. This consistency has earned
him moral credibility among Malaysians and across the Global South.
However, realpolitik often
demands difficult choices. Anwar now faces the challenge of upholding this
moral posture while navigating Malaysia through an uncertain and evolving
global order. His decision to allow Trump’s participation in the ASEAN Summit has
sparked strong reactions, particularly from civil society groups, opposition
figures, and even factions within his own ruling coalition.
Critics, including former Prime
Minister Mahathir Mohamad, argue that Trump’s presence undermines Malaysia’s
long-held moral stance on Palestine. Trump’s administration was closely aligned
with Israel, overseeing the relocation of the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem and
backing controversial policies that were widely condemned across the Muslim
world.
Nevertheless, Anwar’s defence of
Trump’s attendance rests on sound diplomatic logic. The invitation, he has
stressed, is extended under Malaysia’s role as ASEAN chair and is not a
bilateral gesture of endorsement.
Rejecting Trump, he argues, would
not only fracture ASEAN unity but would also forfeit a rare opportunity to
confront the U.S. president directly on issues that matter to Malaysia,
especially Palestine.
This strategy reflects a belief
that moral posturing must sometimes be paired with real engagement. As Anwar
put it, diplomacy is not about avoidance but about dialogue even with those we
strongly disagree with.
Moreover, the Trump visit takes
place in a time of intense geopolitical competition between the United States
and China, a contest that has profound implications for Southeast Asia. The
world is steadily moving from a bipolar to a multipolar configuration, with the
United States, China, Russia, India, the European Union, and rising regional
powers all vying for influence.
For Malaysia, the South China Sea
remains a particular flashpoint. China’s expansive maritime claims and
increasing militarization of the region pose direct challenges to Malaysia’s
sovereignty and those of its ASEAN neighbours. In this context, the United
States for all its inconsistencies remains a necessary counterweight to
unchecked Chinese dominance.
By facilitating Trump’s presence,
Anwar is sending a clear signal: Malaysia is committed to a balanced foreign
policy that engages both major powers without succumbing to either. It is a
strategy of hedging that designed to preserve Malaysia’s autonomy and
flexibility.
Despite deepening economic ties
with China, Malaysia remains heavily reliant on the United States for trade,
particularly in high-value sectors like electronics, semiconductors, and palm
oil. In recent years, Trump-era tariffs and protectionist policies have caused
disruptions, prompting ASEAN nations to seek greater clarity and cooperation
with Washington. The summit thus offers Malaysia and its neighbours a vital
platform to push back against such policies and seek mutually beneficial terms
of trade.
At the same time, Malaysia’s
economic recovery post-pandemic remains fragile. Global headwinds, inflation,
supply chain disruptions, and the risk of another U.S.–China trade war all
weigh heavily on the national agenda.
Securing favourable relations
with Washington regardless of who occupies the White House is essential.
Ignoring Trump, who returned to power in 2025, would be diplomatically
short-sighted. Engaging with him now, under the multilateral framework of
ASEAN, provides a controlled environment where Malaysia can assert its views,
advocate for regional stability, and promote its broader interests without
appearing partisan.
Critically, Anwar’s choice to
proceed with the invitation also reflects an understanding of Malaysia’s role
as a middle power. Middle powers, unlike superpowers or minor states, often
punch above their weight by shaping norms, mediating conflicts, and leveraging
multilateral platforms.
Hosting the ASEAN Summit gives
Malaysia a unique opportunity to position itself as a voice of moderation,
bridge-building, and strategic clarity. Anwar’s message is clear: Malaysia will
not shy away from tough conversations, nor will it allow others to dictate its
diplomatic priorities.
Of course, this path is not
without risk. Anwar’s balancing act could alienate certain segments of the
electorate, especially those who view any engagement with Trump as a betrayal
of the Palestinian cause. The opposition may exploit this narrative, painting
the prime minister as compromising on core principles.
But this criticism fails to
appreciate the larger picture. In the arena of international politics,
engagement is not endorsement. By choosing to engage Trump through ASEAN rather
than inviting him for a bilateral state visit, Anwar retains both diplomatic
cover and moral clarity.
Ultimately, the Trump visit must
be seen within the broader arc of Malaysia’s foreign policy evolution. In an
increasingly unpredictable world, leaders must make difficult choices that
weigh moral imperatives against strategic necessities.
Anwar Ibrahim is betting that Malaysia can do both: remain a loud and consistent voice for Palestinian rights while engaging the geopolitical realities that shape its security and economic well-being. It is a bold and nuanced move, one that will test his leadership, but also one that could elevate Malaysia’s standing on the global stage.
If successful, this diplomatic
gamble may redefine Malaysia’s role in Southeast Asia as a nation unafraid to
engage the powerful, challenge injustice, and put national interest above
political convenience. And in doing so, Anwar Ibrahim may yet prove that
principled pragmatism is not a contradiction, but a necessity.
03.10.2025
Kuala Lumpur.
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https://www.malaysiakini.com/columns/757338
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