SEPANG: The decision to invite United States President Donald J. Trump to attend the 47th Asean Summit next month provides an opportunity for the bloc's member states to directly express their position on the Palestine issue, says Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil.
He said Trump's presence would allow Asean countries to convey their stance openly and frankly, namely, their unwavering support for Palestine and criticism of the hypocrisy of certain countries in handling the issue.
"Some have asked why a clearer message (of support for Palestine) wasn't sent by not inviting (Trump).
"Actually, it would be easy for us to 'boycott' (the US), but the Prime Minister's (Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim) approach in many matters is that we need dialogue," he told reporters after visiting the Sumud Nusantara Operations Centre here on Sunday (Sept 28).
Fahmi said Trump's attendance at the summit in Kuala Lumpur is very timely, especially as global perspectives are shifting and more countries are moving to support Palestine's freedom from the oppression of the Israeli regime.
"In recent days, many countries - as we have seen in the (United Nations General Assembly) debates - have had very heated discussions, not only about a ceasefire but also about ending the war in Gaza.
"This is the most appropriate time to invite the US President. In addition to Malaysia stating its position, it gives other (summit) member countries the space to interact with and express their views to the US President," he said.
On Saturday, the Prime Minister hit back at those who questioned the invitation extended to Trump to attend the 47th Asean Summit.
Anwar said Malaysia would use the diplomatic platform to continue voicing the Palestine issue and would maintain a firm stance in defending the truth, but in a strategic manner.
Apart from Trump, several world leaders from Asia, Europe, Canada, Africa and Latin America are also expected to attend the summit. - Bernama
