Anwar Slams Opposition for Politicising Key Issues During ASEAN Summit

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 28: As the curtains close on the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim launched a strong rebuke against Opposition leaders for politicizing Malaysia’s diplomatic engagements, particularly the visit of United States President Donald Trump.

Speaking at a post-summit press conference on Tuesday, Anwar accused certain opposition figures of distorting Malaysia’s foreign policy stance and undermining the country’s credibility for domestic political gain.

Anwar said the Opposition’s claims that Malaysia had abandoned its support for the Palestinian cause were misleading and irresponsible.

“We can shout here, but people are dying and being bombed in Gaza. We can insult Israel and express anger at the United States, but this was our chance to share Malaysia’s views directly,” he said.

“At least with U.S. intervention, the attacks have stopped temporarily, and they have also opposed the annexation of the West Bank. Is it completely effective? No. But at least the killings have stopped. Yet, some here are more focused on political stunts than human lives,” Anwar added.

He said that during his meeting with Trump, he clearly conveyed Malaysia’s position on defending the rights of the Palestinian people.

“This is diplomacy. It doesn’t always require shouting. What matters is that Malaysia’s voice was heard. I did it because I am the Prime Minister of Malaysia,” he stressed.

Addressing the political attacks from opposition leaders, Anwar said they were under no obligation to support him personally.

“But please, support Malaysia when a national statement is made,” he urged. “When it comes to national interests, we must stand united, regardless of political differences.”

Anwar also addressed a viral photo that some religious figures (ustads) had used to accuse him of inappropriate conduct with Louise Araneta-Marcos, wife of Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

The photo, which appeared to show Anwar in close proximity to the First Lady, had been misinterpreted, he said.

“Some ustads should have just asked me first. I did not even touch her. How can people who claim to uphold religion accuse me of hypocrisy and adultery without knowing the facts?” he asked.

Anwar noted that Malaysia had become the focal point of international diplomacy during the 47th ASEAN Summit, which drew global leaders such as U.S. President Donald Trump, Chinese Premier Li Qiang, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

“Malaysia was the focus of the world this week,” said Anwar. “But sadly, a few local figures chose to focus on envy and petty politics instead of national pride.”

Recently, Perikatan Nasional chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin criticized Anwar for what he described as “over-the-top hospitality” toward Trump during the U.S. The president’s official visit on October 26.
Muhyiddin argued that the warm reception was inappropriate given the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

However, Anwar defended the decision, saying that diplomatic engagement, even with powerful nations, was necessary to ensure Malaysia’s voice was heard on global issues such as Palestine.

The 47th ASEAN Summit concluded on October 28 with Malaysia officially handing over the ASEAN Chairmanship to the Philippines, which will host the 2026 summit.

Despite the political controversies at home, the summit was widely viewed as a diplomatic success for Malaysia, with leaders reaffirming commitments to regional peace, economic cooperation, and humanitarian solidarity.

“This summit has shown that Malaysia remains a key player in ASEAN and the global arena,” Anwar said in closing. “But for our diplomacy to matter, unity must come before politics.”