PETALING JAYA: Turning away Donald Trump from the 47th Asean Summit next month would not resolve any issue, says Tunku Nashrul Abaidah.
The Prime Minister's senior press secretary said the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) took note of all the views expressed by several parties, including local political figures, calling for the invitation to the US President to be withdrawn on the grounds of his stance on the Palestinian issue.
"Malaysia’s position on Palestine has never changed, it has always been clear, firm, and consistent.
"The Prime Minister himself has been one of the strongest voices in the world defending Gaza, condemning Israel’s atrocities, and leading the moral voice of the Muslim ummah on the international stage," he said during his daily briefing, which was broadcast live on the Facebook accounts of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and the Prime Minister's Office on Tuesday (Sept 30).
The 47th Asean Summit will gather world leaders from the United States, China, India, Australia, Canada, Brazil, South Africa, Japan, Korea, as well as Asean member states.
Tunku Nashrul added that Malaysia's firm stance has even been conveyed directly by the Prime Minister to former US presidents in the past.
"The principle of diplomacy requires us to speak the truth face-to-face, not to avoid it.
"In this way, Malaysia not only demonstrates solidarity with Gaza but also shows wisdom as a courageous host, firm in principle and mature in diplomacy," he said.
At the same time, he said Malaysia seeks to ensure Asean’s voice at this upcoming summit goes beyond geopolitics alone, focusing instead on a common agenda, strengthening economic cooperation, attracting strategic investments, expanding trade, and accelerating the region’s integration as a global economic power.
"Asean must speak with one voice, leveraging opportunities with all dialogue partners, not only the United States but also China, Japan, Korea, Australia, and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)," he added.
He said that this was the leadership that Malaysia offers, a leadership that upholds the principle of universal justice, remains steadfast in defending Palestine, and at the same time shoulders the great responsibility as Asean chair to build a region that is prosperous, stable, and peaceful.
"The Madani government will ensure that the 47th Asean Summit in Kuala Lumpur stands as proof that Malaysia can lead with wisdom, and at the same time outspoken in defending the oppressed, resolute in championing the people’s interests, and prudent in balancing global diplomacy," said Tunku Nashrul.
