KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia has urged United States President Donald Trump to sustain a strong commitment to advancing peace across conflict zones, including Gaza, as world leaders gathered for the 47th Asean Summit in Kuala Lumpur.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim praised Trump’s willingness to pursue peace but emphasised that such efforts must remain consistent and focused on achieving lasting solutions.
“And I am delighted, truly, President, to hear from you personally how determined you are to ensure that peace is achieved in the most intractable areas, almost impossible, but you did it,” Anwar said.
“We have shown our support and call on the US, in particular, to continue this with the support of many, not only neighbours, but the world.”
Anwar made the remarks after joining Trump to witness the signing of the KL Peace Accord* by Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet on the sidelines of the regional summit, which began earlier today.
The Malaysian leader later revealed that he had a private discussion with Trump after being invited to accompany him in the presidential vehicle, known as “The Beast.”
“When the President arrived, he asked me to join him in the car. I said that’s against security rules. And he was delighted to break the rules—it was a nice ride,” Anwar said, adding that he used the opportunity to raise other bilateral and regional matters “without Secretary Rubio knowing.”
Trump’s visit marks the first by a sitting US president to Malaysia in a decade, and the first of his administration.
His presence underscores Washington’s renewed engagement with Southeast Asia amid intensifying geopolitical tensions and humanitarian crises, including in Gaza.
The Asean Summit and Related Summits, themed“Inclusivity and Sustainability”, will conclude on October 28 with several joint declarations expected to outline the region’s shared goals for peace, prosperity, and sustainable development.
This year’s meeting also marks Malaysia’s final turn as Asean Chair before handing over the chairmanship to the Philippines in 2026. — October 26, 2025