KUALA LUMPUR: The participation of United States President Donald Trump and other world leaders at the 47th Asean Summit to be held in Kuala Lumpur in October is part of the diplomatic mandate entrusted to Malaysia.
Senior Press Secretary to the Prime Minister, Tunku Nashrul Abaidah, stated that the matter was not about recognising the personal policies of any leader, but rather about recognising Asean and Malaysia's leadership as chair.
"The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) takes note of views from several parties, including local political figures, who have called for Trump's invitation to be withdrawn over his stance on Palestine. However, Malaysia's position on Palestine has never changed - it is clear, firm and consistent.
"The Prime Minister (Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim) himself is among the most vocal voices in the world in defending Gaza, condemning Israel's atrocities and leading the moral voice of Muslims on the international stage. This firm stance has even been conveyed directly by the Prime Minister to the former US President (Joe Biden)," he said.
He said this during the PMO daily briefing broadcast live on the Anwar Ibrahim Facebook page and the PMO Malaysia Facebook page on Tuesday (Sept 30).
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Tunku Nashrul said rejecting Trump's attendance at the Asean Summit was not the solution as diplomacy requires nations to speak the truth face to face, not by avoidance.
"Through this approach, Malaysia not only demonstrates solidarity with Gaza but also shows wisdom as a host that is courageous, principled and mature in diplomacy," he said.
He further said that Malaysia, as Asean Chair, carries the major responsibility of ensuring that all dialogue partners attend the negotiating table.
"It must be remembered that the Asean chairmanship comes only once every decade, and this is Malaysia's last opportunity before handing it over to the Philippines. Therefore, we must make full use of this chance to lead effectively and project Asean's voice at the global level.
"Asean is not merely a regional grouping but a strategic community closely linked with major powers through established platforms such as the Asean-United States Summit, Asean-China, Asean-Japan, Asean-Korea, Asean-Australia, Asean-GCC, Asean-UN, the East Asia Summit and many more," he said.
The 47th Asean Summit will take place in the capital from Oct 26 to 28. – Bernama
