Kuala lumpur: The decision to invite United States President Donald J. Trump to the upcoming 47th ASEAN Summit has been highlighted as a significant opportunity for ASEAN member states to express their collective stance on the Palestine issue, as stated by Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Fahmi emphasized that Trump’s presence at the summit would enable ASEAN countries to communicate their unwavering support for Palestine directly and frankly. This approach also allows for open criticism of what they perceive as the hypocrisy of certain countries in addressing the issue.

Fahmi addressed questions regarding the decision to invite Trump, explaining that while some suggested a clearer message of support for Palestine could be sent by not inviting him, the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim believes in the importance of dialogue. “Actually, it would be easy for us to ‘boycott’ (the US), but the Prime Minister’s approach in many matters is that we need dialogue,” Fahmi said during a visit to the Sumud Nusantara Operations Centre.

He further stated that the timing of Trump’s attendance in Kuala Lumpur is crucial, particularly as global perspectives are shifting with more countries advocating for Palestine’s freedom from Israeli oppression. He noted that recent United Nations General Assembly debates have focused intensely on both ceasefire efforts and ending the war in Gaza.

Fahmi asserted that inviting the US President provides an opportunity for Malaysia and other ASEAN members to communicate their positions and engage directly with Trump. This diplomatic engagement aligns with Malaysia’s strategy to continue voicing the Palestine issue firmly yet strategically, as articulated by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

In addition to Trump, the summit is expected to host several world leaders from Asia, Europe, Canada, Africa, and Latin America.