PN, allies: Trump's grand welcome 'rubs salt into bleeding Gazans' wounds'

Opposition leaders have criticised what they described as the government’s excessive reception for US President Donald Trump’s arrival in Malaysia yesterday, calling it “akin to pouring salt on the still-bleeding wounds of Gazans.”

PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan highlighted how Malaysia’s role as the Asean chair should not ignore the country’s principles, which have consistently sought justice and freedom for Palestinians.

“The excessive manner on our part upon the arrival of the US president is akin to pouring salt on the still-bleeding wounds of the people of Gaza, while also defying the sensitivities that the free world has shown towards the ongoing humanitarian disaster.

“This should not be our country’s approach in any subsequent interactions with him,” the Kota Bharu MP said in a statement last night.

Yesterday, Trump was seen dancing on the red carpet upon his arrival in Malaysia, with the US president moving to the music in front of dancers shortly after descending from Air Force One.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who was there alongside Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan, Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, and US Ambassador Edgard D Kagan to welcome Trump, seemed delighted with the US president’s reaction and joined in.

This unfolded amid mounting condemnation of Trump’s arrival for the Asean summit in Kuala Lumpur, with many lambasting Washington’s perceived complicity in Israel’s ongoing genocide of Palestinians.

Fight for Palestine

Takiyuddin urged the government to prioritise the Palestinian cause in its official discussions with the US.

“Malaysia must stand and be accepted on the world stage not only as a developing, competitive, democratic, and dignified nation, but also as the moral voice of the Islamic world and the Global South that firmly defends the sovereignty, justice, human rights, and independence of all.

“PAS believes that Trump’s presence at the Asean summit should be viewed within the framework of our country’s economic, diplomatic, and geostrategic relations, without disregarding Malaysia’s stance on the cause for justice, sovereignty, and freedom, especially those involving the Palestinian people,” he added.

Further, Takiyuddin stressed that any negotiations or trade agreements between Malaysia and the US should also be based on justice and mutual respect, and that bilateral relations between countries should be guided by economic benefit for both.

Celebrating colluder ‘hurts hearts’

Expressing similar views, Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin said it is “inappropriate” for Trump to be given a grand reception on Malaysian soil while Palestinians are being “slaughtered and starved” in Gaza.

“The overly festive, cheerful, and symbolic welcome raises a major question: is Malaysia now measuring its diplomatic dignity based on the status of guests, rather than on principles of humanity?

“Such a reception gives the impression that Malaysia is eager to celebrate the arrival of a figure who has openly colluded with the zionist Israeli regime in committing acts of genocide against the people of Gaza,” the Perikatan Nasional chairperson said in a statement today.

He also slammed Anwar for dancing along with Trump, claiming that the prime minister’s actions have “hurt the hearts” of Malaysians who sympathise with the Palestinians’ plight.

“Trump is a symbol of the arrogance of US foreign policy that shields the brutality of the zionist Israeli regime.

“Welcoming such a figure with excessive enthusiasm is deeply shameful for Malaysia,” Muhyiddin stressed.

‘Diplomatic embarrassment’

Urimai chairperson P Ramasamy echoed similar sentiments, describing Trump’s reception as a “diplomatic embarrassment.”

“Welcoming world leaders to the country is one thing, but going overboard in doing so is another. Receiving guests must be predicated on respect and dignity, the prerequisites for maintaining good diplomatic relations.

“The manner in which Trump was received is a clear indication that Anwar cares little about the future of the Palestinians.

“No self-respecting leader would seek cordial ties with Trump without first prioritising the Palestinian quest for justice and statehood,” he said in a separate statement.

The former Penang deputy chief minister also criticised Anwar’s speaking in jest about “breaking the rules” by breaching security protocol in riding in the US president’s official vehicle, and for joking about his imprisonment.

Yesterday, after greeting people upon his arrival at Kompleks Bunga Raya in KLIA, Trump invited Anwar into his official presidential car, “The Beast”, a heavily armoured Cadillac limousine.

Anwar later said that his discussion with Trump in the vehicle covered a range of issues, with the priority placed on efforts to advance global peace initiatives.

“Such antics serve no national purpose. They merely underscore a troubling tendency toward personal glorification and political theatrics.

“Anwar seems to forget that he is the prime minister of Malaysia, not a celebrity seeking validation.

“His excessive deference to Trump reflects a misguided sense of diplomacy, one that Malaysia does not need, especially when the plight of Palestinians continues unabated,” Ramasamy said.

The former DAP leader also highlighted how public opposition to Trump’s presence had been ongoing for weeks prior, yet Anwar had still chosen to proceed with the invitation to the meeting to showcase his personal rapport with the US president.

“At least the opposition had the decency to voice its objection to Trump’s visit, recognising that no genuine advocate for Palestinian nationhood should be pandering to those complicit in their suffering,” he added.

Trump dances during Malaysia's red carpet welcome

Blocked at Ampang Park, anti-Trump protest echoes in Dataran Merdeka

Dancing along with Trump: Critics say PM shouldn't give 'too much face'

Peace requires some rule-breaking, Anwar says after riding with Trump

VIDEO | Second anti-Trump protest ends