Trump visit touted as chance to talk about Gaza, so what did Anwar say?

When US President Donald Trump confirmed he was coming to Malaysia for the Asean summit, the government was criticised for inviting a major backer who has enabled the Israeli government's continued violence on Gaza.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and his allies, however, defended Trump's visit, saying that besides talking about trade, it was also an opportunity to talk to the US president about Gaza.

This point was repeated today by Amanah deputy president Mujahid Yusof Rawa in response to critics.

"During Trump’s attendance at the Asean summit, Anwar practised a dual-track diplomacy approach - balancing Malaysia’s and Asean’s strategic interests while remaining firm in defending the dignity and rights of the oppressed Palestinians," he said.

But what did Anwar say to Trump about Palestine during the latter's visit?

Malaysiakini takes a look.

In 'The Beast'

Anwar and Trump had some time together while riding in the US president's official car - dubbed "The Beast" - after the president landed at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).

The exact contents of what was discussed were not known.

However, Anwar indicated in a speech later that they did speak about Gaza.

At the Asean-US summit

In his opening speech at the Asean-US summit, Anwar raised the Gaza issue towards the end of his brief remarks.

"On Gaza, we welcome your (Trump) comprehensive plan to end the Gaza conflict. It has given the world a glimmer of hope that even in the most intractable conflicts, diplomacy and determination can prevail.

"And we trust that, with your leadership, Mr President, we’ll achieve a just and durable peace," he said.

In the week before Trump's visit, Anwar had told Parliament that Malaysia had only given conditional support for the US-brokered 20-point peace plan.

He said one of the conditions was that displaced Palestinians be given the right to return.

At the Thai-Cambodia peace treaty signing

Anwar made similar remarks about Gaza as in his opening speech at the Asean-US summit.

"I must also share with you here that I took the opportunity (while in The Beast), without (US) secretary (of state) Marco Rubio, knowing this to explore other issues too.

"And I thank the president (Trump) for his efforts to secure peace in many parts of the world, including Gaza, and urging him to remain focused and ensure that there is comprehensive peace that the world requires.

"And I am delighted, truly, Mr President, to hear from you personally how determined you are to ensure 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," he said.

Before Trump flew to Japan

Anwar met Trump one last time before the US president flew off to Japan.

In a social media post, the prime minister said he had again thanked Trump for the Gaza ceasefire deal he helped broker.

"The meeting provided an opportunity to review the outcomes of the Malaysia-US bilateral discussions held earlier, including strategic cooperation in the fields of trade, technology, and regional security.

"(I also) conveyed my deep appreciation to Trump for his instrumental role in advancing the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accord (KL Accord) and the Gaza Peace Plan, both of which serve as beacons of hope for achieving a just and lasting peace," he said.

After concluding the Asean Summit

Addressing a press conference after the closing ceremony of the 47th Asean Summit, Anwar further disclosed details of his talk with Trump during the duo’s ride together in the latter’s presidential armoured car, “The Beast”. 

The prime minister said he had advocated for a “comprehensive, fair, and lasting” peace plan that respects Palestinian rights, hailing Trump for being a “very attentive, good listener” during their conversation.

“I said that while I do support his (Trump’s) efforts - and no one can dispute the fact that he was quite determined to ensure there is peace in Gaza (and a) stop to continued killings - but, I said, if you talk about lasting and durable peace, then it must be comprehensive.

“He answered that (the matter) is in the first phase and they’re working on it,” Anwar said.

The prime minister also affirmed that as part of diplomatic measures, “not everything has to be shouted in public”.

“What’s important is that you’ve entrusted me as your spokesperson, and I spoke to defend the rights of the Palestinian people and Gaza.

“What did you expect me to do? I think I did my best to represent the voice of conscience (and) what Malaysians want us to do,” Anwar said.

Condemning those attempting to politicise his meeting with Trump, Anwar said those complaining about his alleged lack of firmness should ask themselves: “Who else dares to speak in front of Trump?”

Will Trump's peace plan hold?

The ceasefire in Gaza is tenuous. Both Israel and Hamas have been reported as continuing attacks.

There are talks about deploying a UN peacekeeping mission to maintain order in the conflict zone.

On Sunday, Anwar informed UN secretary-general António Guterres that Malaysia is prepared to join such a mission.

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