PARLIAMENT | Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said his engagements with US President Donald Trump over the Gaza crisis are necessary after exhausting talks with other world leaders, insisting the move does not make Malaysia beholden to Washington.

Linking the matter with those criticising the recent Malaysia-US trade deal, Anwar stressed that Malaysia should not be seen as the US’ “puppet” as he has consistently advocated for Palestinian rights in the presence of US representatives, including Trump.