Malaysians are outraged and betrayed by Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s conduct at the recent ASEAN Summit, where he not only welcomed U.S. President Donald Trump with a dance but publicly glorified the very figure who armed, financed, and justified Israel’s brutal war on Gaza.
Anwar had justified Trump’s invitation by claiming it would allow Malaysia to make its position on Palestine “crystal clear.” But when the time came to stand firm, he chose cowardice over courage, praise over principle, and silence over justice.
By declaring he was “delighted to hear from Trump directly”and commending Trump’s supposed commitment to peace, Anwar betrayed the trust of Malaysians and dishonoured the suffering of Gaza’s civilians.
He should have demanded accountability for America’s billions in aid that fuel Israel’s war machine, condemned Israel’s war crimes against hospitals and civilians, called for an end to U.S. arms sales to Israel, and insisted that Washington stop using its U.N. veto to block justice for Palestine. Instead, he remained silent.
This is not diplomacy — it is a disgraceful act of moral surrender. Malaysia must never sacrifice truth for political gain. Our voice belongs with the oppressed, never in defence of their oppressors.
As Gaza bleeds, Malaysians will not stay silent — nor will we accept silence from those who claim to speak in our name.