Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail clarified that Malaysia’s invitation to US President Donald Trump to attend the 47th Asean Summit should not be seen as support or an attempt to befriend him.
Speaking at the Home Ministry’s monthly assembly, Saifuddin said the invitation was an opportunity to confront injustice, particularly Washington’s support for Israel’s actions in Gaza.
He explained that Malaysia, as Asean chair, must represent the consensus of the bloc in dialogues with global leaders, even with controversial figures like Trump.
“Trump’s presence will allow Asean to directly state its opposition to the US policies supporting Israel’s atrocities in Gaza,” he said.
Saifuddin stressed that engagement did not mean endorsement.
“To engage does not mean to befriend an enemy. This is the highest form of jihad — to speak the truth before a cruel ruler. How can you speak out if you don’t even meet them face to face?” he asked.
