Former PM calls Trump a “murderer of children,” while Anwar defends diplomacy and economic interests
Malaysia is divided over U.S. President Donald Trump’s upcoming visit to the ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur this October. Former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad has urged Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to revoke the invitation, accusing Trump of complicity in Palestinian deaths, while Anwar defends the move as a matter of diplomacy and national interest.
Mahathir’s Outspoken Rejection
In a video message posted on September 27, former Malaysian leader Mahathir Mohamad demanded that Anwar rescind Trump’s ASEAN Summit invitation. He accused the U.S. president of enabling Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, which local authorities say has killed nearly 70,000 Palestinians, including 20,000 children, since October 2023.
“The hands of Trump and his administration are stained with the blood of innocent Palestinian children,” Mahathir said, calling Trump a “criminal and murderer of children” with “no place in Malaysia.” He urged the government to send a clear message that Malaysia stands firmly against U.S. and Israeli policies.
Anwar’s Diplomatic Defense
Responding at an event in Sabah, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim defended Trump’s invitation, noting that Malaysia, as ASEAN chair, must maintain open diplomatic channels. “Our voice will always uphold truth and justice, but in a wise and strategic manner,” he said. Anwar argued that hosting Trump allows Malaysia to raise concerns about Gaza directly while maintaining global credibility.
Balancing Morality and Economics
Anwar also pointed to Malaysia’s deep economic ties with the U.S., particularly in the semiconductor sector. He stressed that cutting ties would jeopardize billions of ringgit in exports and tens of thousands of local jobs. “If we reject ties outright, it is the people who suffer,” he said, adding that Malaysia must be both principled and pragmatic.
ASEAN’s Largest Gathering
The October 26–28 summit in Kuala Lumpur is expected to be ASEAN’s most high-profile event to date. Alongside Trump, Chinese President Xi Jinping and other world leaders are scheduled to attend. Anwar described the dual visits from Washington and Beijing as evidence that “the world respects Malaysia” and its ability to engage both powers.
Global Context on Palestine
The debate comes amid growing international recognition of a Palestinian state, with the UK, Canada, Australia, France, and Portugal extending recognition in recent months. Mahathir highlighted these moves as evidence that Malaysia should take an even firmer stance, while Anwar maintains that Malaysia’s support for Palestine is already clear, even as it keeps diplomatic lines open.
The clash between Mahathir and Anwar over Trump’s ASEAN Summit invite highlights Malaysia’s delicate balancing act—between moral outrage at the Gaza conflict and pragmatic diplomacy with major powers. For Malaysians and the region, the debate underscores how global conflicts are testing ASEAN’s role as both a voice for justice and a platform for engagement.
Sources: Mothership (2025) , CNA (2025)
Keywords: Trump ASEAN Summit, Mahathir Anwar, Malaysia Palestine, ASEAN Diplomacy, Gaza Conflict, U.S. Relations
