'Who else if not Trump?': Anwar says Gaza, trade outreach not US submission

PARLIAMENT | Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said his engagements with US President Donald Trump over the Gaza crisis were 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 a US “puppet” as he has consistently advocated for Palestinian rights in the presence of US representatives, including Trump.

“Some are saying that (the deal) is akin to us surrendering (and) pawning away (the nation) or a form of new colonisation… But, imagine what it’s like having to face the US president to ask for help in finding a comprehensive solution for Gaza,” Anwar told the Dewan Rakyat today.

“I don’t know who else there is. We’ve spoken to (France President) Emmanuel Macron, (Italy Prime Minister) Giorgia Meloni, and the German chancellor (Friedrich Merz) - we’ve exhausted all efforts… I’m not asking for any thanks, but don’t dole out condemnation as if we are US stooges (or) puppets.

“(If we were), how could I possibly talk to the US president in such a way (regarding a solution to the Gaza conflict)?” the prime minister emphasised.

Anwar also highlighted how he had spoken out on the Palestinian massacre by the Israeli regime in front of Trump’s predecessor, Joe Biden, during the 2023 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation conference in San Francisco.

The prime minister said this in an emotional appeal for government and opposition figures to understand that the deal, as well as external engagements with foreign nations, have been undertaken for the sake of the nation.

Facing brickbats from various quarters over certain stipulations in the trade agreement with the US and Putrajaya’s seemingly overly jovial reception of Trump, Anwar noted that all his work thus far has been aimed at uplifting Malaysia’s name and status.

“I appeal to friends on both sides - this is about our country. I’m not young, and I’ve worked as hard as I can to earn the attention of key nations for the benefit and future of our country,” he added.

No apology

Commenting on the trade deal, Anwar said he “will not apologise” for signing the agreement as Malaysia needs strong investment and trade with the US.

“The issue of ‘surrendering’ does not arise. The same goes for China. If we’re seen as being on good terms, we get attacked, so who are we supposed to be friendly with - Kelantan and Kedah only? We need good ties with all,” he added.

The prime minister was responding to an additional question from Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal (PN-Machang), who doubled down on his claim that the agreement is “satanic” due to certain clauses allegedly detrimental to Malaysia.

The signed agreement maintains Malaysia’s reciprocal tariff rate at 19 percent, while also securing continued exemptions for certain products.

These include semiconductors and other electronic components as among Malaysia’s key exports to the US.

The Parliamentary Special Select Committee on International Relations and International Trade is scheduled to convene a session on Nov 12 to examine the trade agreement.

Work to uplift nation

Earlier, Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman (Muda-Muar) lamented that he “pities” Anwar as the latter appears to constantly be under attack from certain quarters displeased with various details.

“At one point, some even mocked (Anwar) for not getting a phone call from Trump, but when they finally engaged, people now call him ‘pro-US’.

“We’ve received diplomatic notes for being ‘too firm,’ yet today he’s being labelled as the opposite,” the lawmaker said.

Agreeing with Syed Saddiq’s assessment of the situation, Anwar quipped: “Even the US president himself acknowledged the mediation efforts (between Cambodia and Thailand) by the prime minister of Malaysia.

“Of course, that statement would sting those who already carry resentment in their hearts,” he said.

He also noted that as a developing and relatively small nation, Malaysia must work to boost trade and investment with other countries, especially at a time when its name is being held in high regard.

“If we look back through history, this doesn’t happen often. Let’s use this opportunity to build our country, not harbour bitterness over its success.

“Prime ministers come and go, rise and fall, but the nation must always be uplifted,” he affirmed.

Reporting by Qistina Nadia Dzulqarnain, Alyaa Alhadjri, N Faizal Ghazali

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