ASEAN Summit: “Trump is a good listener,” says PM Anwar

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim says he discussed a wide range of issues with U.S. President Donald Trump while riding together in “The Beast”, the presidential limousine, on their way to the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre for the ASEAN Summit.

Trump arrived at Kuala Lumpur International Airport on Sunday morning, where Anwar welcomed him before the two leaders shared a ride in Cadillac One into the city.

“I made use of the opportunity to engage and to President Trump’s credit, he is also a good listener in his private engagements,” Anwar told reporters after the closing ceremony of the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits.

According to Anwar, their conversation covered topics such as ASEAN centrality, the situation in Gaza, and Malaysia’s ties with other global partners, including China, Brazil and South Africa.

The Prime Minister said he also raised concerns over Washington’s trade policies.

“I said a 19% (tariff) was still high for us, but then he has now imposed zero tariffs on one of our major exports, semiconductors, for now. I want to thank him for that.”

On Gaza, Anwar said he urged Trump to ensure that his 20-point peace plan for the region is “comprehensive, durable and fair.”

“I did my best to present the voice of conscience, what Malaysians want us to do,” he said. “Of course, there were many things he shared in private that, to me, were enlightening. And I was happy to hear that.”