Kuala lumpur: The decision to invite United States President Donald Trump to the 47th ASEAN Summit next month was made based on considerations of the international political context, stated Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail. He highlighted that Trump’s presence at the summit in Kuala Lumpur will offer Malaysia, as ASEAN Chair, a platform to directly convey its stance on the issue of Palestine to the US leader.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Saifuddin addressed the concerns surrounding the invitation, noting public debate over Trump’s support for Israel and the situation in Gaza. He emphasized that Malaysia, as the ASEAN Chair for the year, carries the consensus position of ASEAN countries, which may differ from its own stance on Palestine. This context provides Malaysia an opportunity to present a united ASEAN voice.

Saifuddin further explained that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will articulate the collective perspective of the 10 ASEAN member states during the summit. He noted that Anwar, representing a regional bloc of 680 million people with a significant economy, will engage with other world leaders, including those from the United States, China, India, Russia, and Brazil.

The Prime Minister has previously addressed critics of Trump’s invitation, asserting that Malaysia would leverage this diplomatic platform to advocate for Palestine firmly and strategically. In addition to Trump, leaders from Asia, Europe, Canada, Africa, and Latin America are anticipated to attend the summit in October.