December 4, 2025
Local
Local
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 3 — The upcoming visit of US President Donald J. Trump to Malaysia for the 47th ASEAN Summit this month should not be seen as Malaysia compromising or wavering in its support for the Palestinian cause.
Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) chairman Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican said the visit instead offers Malaysia a crucial chance to use the ASEAN stage to convey its stance directly to Trump, firmly and without hesitation.
“Malaysia believes that a strong and consistent position on the global stage reflects that the Palestinian struggle has always remained a priority. As long as injustice continues, Malaysia will not remain silent, even before a superpower,” he said in a Facebook post today.
Reezal, who also heads the Kepala Batas Umno Division, reiterated that Malaysia’s position remains clear — to reject all forms of oppression against Palestinians while fully supporting their right to independence and sovereignty.
He stressed that Trump’s visit is not a personal invitation from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim or Malaysians, but part of Malaysia’s responsibilities as ASEAN Chair.
Recently, the Prime Minister reaffirmed that Malaysia would continue to use international platforms to highlight the Palestinian cause and uphold the truth with a firm yet strategic approach.
Besides Trump, leaders from Asia, Europe, Canada, Africa and Latin America are also expected to attend the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur. — Bernama
