In addressing Trump, Malaysia and Asean reaffirm that engagement does not equal submission. It is a demonstration of strength, the ability to disagree with respect, and to confront global inequities through dialogue rather than silence. - AP
KUALA LUMPUR: The attendance of United States President Donald Trump at this year’s Asean Summit has sparked diverse reactions, from skepticism about his controversial political style to questions about Asean’s readiness to engage a leader long associated with unilateralism, protectionism and, in many respects, anti-Islamic rhetoric.
Yet, for Malaysia under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Trump’s presence is not about endorsement or approval of his policies.
