17/09/2025

WEDNESDAY | SEPT 17, 2025

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M’sia faces high-stakes test when Trump arrives for Asean Summit

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING Malaysia’s leadership will face its sternest diplomatic and economic test yet when United States President Donald Trump arrives in Kuala Lumpur for the Asean Summit next month. Analysts say the visit provides Malaysia, as Asean chair, a chance to showcase leadership, while also testing how it navigates an unpredictable US leader whose policies sometimes run counter to regional interests. International Islamic University Malaysia associate professor Dr Mohd Yazid Zul Kepli said Trump’s presence highlights both opportunity and challenge. “Malaysia has the platform to set the regional agenda and guide Asean’s collective response to major geopolitical issues. But Trump’s participation sharpens the delicate balancing act between Washington and Beijing,” he told theSun . He said Washington is seeking to reinforce its Indo-Pacific strategy while Beijing continues to expand economic and security influence through initiatives such as the JAYA:

those efforts for peace. This attack must be regarded as an attack against us all.” Anwar warned that Israel’s aggression was calculated, pointing to Gaza’s families wiped out, hospitals reduced to rubble and children buried under debris. “In the West Bank, the colonial politics of dispossession continue unabated. This barbarity has expanded to Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, Iraq and even Iran. This pattern of lawlessness shows utter contempt for civilisation and international order.” Anwar also noted Israel’s declaration that there would never be a Palestinian state, describing it as permanent apartheid and a repudiation of UN resolutions and the right to self determination. must do all in our power to see that it reaches its shore. To let it be turned back with violence is to betray the charge that our conscience has placed upon us: to defend the weak, to shelter the oppressed, to give food to the hungry,” said Anwar. The Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) is currently crossing the Mediterranean Sea, carrying food, medicine and messages of peace towards the shores of Gaza. The mission, comprising more than DOHA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has urged that the humanitarian flotilla sailing towards Gaza be allowed safe passage, emphasising that it must not be turned back through violence or obstruction. Delivering Malaysia’s national statement at the Extraordinary Arab Islamic Summit here on Monday, Anwar said the flotilla carries not weapons of war but the promise of aid for a besieged people in Gaza. “It is a mission of mercy and we saying Malaysia’s strong stance on Palestine would not destabilise relations with Washington despite the US being Israel’s closest ally. “In this context, Malaysia-US relations remain stable. Voicing opinions and fighting for the fate of the Palestinian people has long been a cornerstone of Malaysia’s foreign policy in the Middle East. Therefore, it does not interfere with the relationship between the two countries.” On the economic front, economist Prof Geoffrey Williams urged tempered expectations. “The visit reaffirms cordial ties between Malaysia, Asean and the US. It may bring some trade and investment deals.” Williams, however, said that any announcements would likely be limited. “In truth, Malaysia is not well placed to attract additional US trade and investment at this time. These decisions lie with businesses, not Trump and any genuine

He said nations with close ties to the US bore particular responsibility. “When America sought dialogue with Iran, Israel answered with bombs. When Washington encouraged mediation with Hamas, Israel struck here in Doha.” Anwar emphasised that the crisis extended beyond Gaza and Palestine, pointing to Israel’s actions against Qatar, Syria, Iraq, Iran and Lebanon. “This shows that in today’s world, there has never been such unprecedented greed and arrogance.” Anwar’s delegation included Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Zulkifli Hasan and senior officials from the Foreign Ministry. 50 boats with volunteers from 44 countries, is aimed at delivering humanitarian supplies of food and medicine to the besieged enclave. Anwar is the patron of Sumud Nusantara, one of the groups participating in the mission that gathers boats and volunteers from across the world. Representing Malaysia in the flotilla are Cinta Gaza Malaysia CEO Muhammad Nadir Al-Nuri Kamaruzaman, singer Zizi Kirana and actress Ardell Aryana. On Sept 10, the main ship Family was struck by a drone while docked in Sidi Bou Said, Tunisia, followed by an attack on the boat Alma on Tuesday night. No casualties were reported in the attacks. On Saturday, an Anadolu correspondent reported that an initial convoy of GSF vessels had departed Bizerte Portin Tunisia en route to the Gaza Strip. – Bernama opportunities are already on the table. “There might be some announcements, but these will mostly be window dressing (symbolic gestures rather than substantive policy changes). The real risk is volatility. Unpredictable US trade policies under Trump could disrupt markets, raise costs for Malaysian exports and dent revenues,” Williams warned. Still, Malaysia’s recent engagements – with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s visit to Beijing and now Trump’s trip to Kuala Lumpur – may help steady ties. “The dual efforts could ease potential conflicts.” He said what would count as a win for Malaysia would be securing more US trade and investment and reducing tariffs or non-tariff barriers. “A loss would be the status quo, or worse, Washington taking a tougher stance on transshipment of Chinese goods through Asean,” added Williams.

o Experts say visit by American president provides Putrajaya chance to showcase leadership in steering regional agenda, while navigating US-China rivalry and safeguarding Palestine stance

sensitive position. “Malaysia has consistently voiced solidarity with Palestine. Hosting Trump requires us to uphold that stance while maintaining constructive dialogue with the US on trade, security and regional stability.” Universiti Utara Malaysia geopolitical analyst Assoc Prof Dr Mohamad Faisol Keling agreed,

Belt and Road. “Malaysia must project neutrality and inclusivity to keep Asean united. Success will be measured not by grand statements, but by tangible diplomatic gains and preserving balance.” He said Trump’s past policies – particularly his strong support for Israel – also place Malaysia in a

Anwar urges safe passage for humanitarian mission

MADANI SOLIDARITY ... Anwar joins hands with ‘warriors’ in traditional attire during the Madani Warriors gathering at Seberang Perai Tengah Polytechnic, Penang yesterday. – MASRY CHE ANI/THESUN

Govt remains firm on Gaza stance: PM DOHA: Malaysia will use its meeting with US President Donald Trump at the Asean Summit this October to reiterate the country’s firm stance on invitation of the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, in an immediate response to Israeli aggression against Doha on Sept 9. He said Malaysia’s participation

as has already begun among several Arab nations. Second, end all trade dealings with Israel. Third, employ every diplomatic wisdom at our disposal, particularly with countries close to the US, so that decisions are made in line with international law, the United Nations and the demands of universal humanity.” Anwar called the bombing of a sovereign capital “lawless, barbaric and indefensible”, saying it violated international law and endangered regional security. “The gravity of this outrage is deepened by Qatar’s vital role as a mediator. Guided by the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, this nation has fostered dialogue. To strike Qatar is to sabotage

Gaza and Israel’s attacks on Qatar. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said as Asean chair, Malaysia is committed to bringing the voice of solidarity with Palestine to the regional stage and to draw the attention of major world leaders. “In the meeting with President Trump, we will use the occasion to urge him to understand Malaysia’s clear and firm stance in the pursuit of justice, including for Gaza and Palestine,” he told a press conference on Monday. Anwar attended the Extraordinary Arab-Islamic Summit here at the

reflected the unity of Islamic and Arab nations in strongly condemning Israel’s actions and showing full solidarity with Qatar, reported Bernama. Delivering Malaysia’s national statement at the summit, Anwar demanded severe punitive actions against Israel, denouncing in the strongest terms the latest airstrikes on Doha and the ongoing genocide in Gaza. He stressed that condemnations will not stop missiles and declarations will not free Palestine. “First, sever all diplomatic relations,