Malaysia calls on Trump to remain steadfast in promoting peace, including in Gaza - PM

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has issued a firm call to United States President Donald Trump to maintain a steadfast commitment to advancing peace efforts across conflict-affected regions worldwide, including the Gaza Strip.

AI Brief

PM Anwar praised Trump's peace efforts and urged continued focus on achieving lasting global peace.
The leaders discussed wider issues during a private ride in Trump's presidential vehicle, "The Beast."
Trump's visit to Malaysia marks his first as president, coinciding with the 47th ASEAN Summit themed "Inclusivity and Sustainability."

While acknowledging Trump's efforts to promote peace, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim stressed that the United States leader must remain focused and work towards achieving the comprehensive and lasting peace that the international community expects.

"And I am delighted truly, President, to hear from you personally how determined you are to ensure that peace is achieved in the most intractable areas, almost impossible, but you did it.

"And we have shown our support and call on the US, in particular, to continue this with the support of many, not only neighbours, but the world," he said today.

Anwar delivered the remarks after joining Trump to witness Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet signing the KL Peace Accord on the sidelines of the 47th ASEAN Summit, which commenced today.

The Prime Minister added that he used the opportunity to discuss a broader range of issues with Trump, following the American leader's invitation to accompany him in the presidential vehicle, commonly referred to as "The Beast."

"When the President arrived, he asked me to join him in the car, I said that's against the security of the rules. And he was delighted to break the rules and I... It was a nice ride.

"I must also share with you here that I took the opportunity, full opportunity, without Secretary Rubio knowing this, exploring other issues too," said Anwar.

Trump arrived in Malaysia earlier today to participate in the 47th ASEAN Summit, marking the first visit by a sitting United States president in a decade and the first such trip of his administration to Kuala Lumpur.

The ASEAN Summit and Related Summits, with its theme of "Inclusivity and Sustainability", begins today and will conclude on Oct 28 with several joint declarations outlining the region's shared priorities for peace, prosperity and sustainable growth.

This will be Malaysia's final summit as ASEAN Chair 2025 before handing over the Chairmanship to the Philippines for 2026.

-- BERNAMA