PETALING JAYA: The invitation extended to US President Donald Trump for the upcoming 47th ASEAN Summit should be understood as part of Malaysia’s responsibilities as ASEAN Chair, not as an endorsement of any individual leader’s policies, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) emphasized today.
Senior Press Secretary to the Prime Minister, Tunku Nashrul Tunku Abaidah, explained that Malaysia, as chair, is responsible for ensuring the participation of all dialogue partners. This role, he noted, is also an opportunity for the country to demonstrate leadership on the global stage.
“Rejecting Trump’s attendance is not the solution. Diplomacy means addressing issues directly, not avoiding them,” Tunku Nashrul said. “Malaysia will continue to stand firm on Palestine while fulfilling its duty to lead ASEAN in creating a stable and prosperous region.”
The PMO reiterated Malaysia’s unwavering support for Palestine, highlighting Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s consistent condemnation of Israeli aggression and his vocal advocacy for Gaza on the international stage.
The briefing further outlined Malaysia’s broader priorities as ASEAN Chair, which include boosting economic cooperation, attracting strategic investments, enhancing trade, and promoting regional integration.
“ASEAN must speak with one voice and engage all partners—not just the US, but also China, Japan, Korea, Australia, and the Gulf Cooperation Council,” Tunku Nashrul added.
The 47th ASEAN Summit, scheduled for this October in Kuala Lumpur, will mark Malaysia’s final tenure as chair before passing the responsibility to the Philippines.
On humanitarian efforts, the PMO highlighted Anwar’s role as patron of Sumud Nusantara, a Malaysian initiative providing aid to Gaza. The Prime Minister is closely monitoring local activists operating in high-risk areas and continues to advocate for open humanitarian corridors.
“The courage of these activists reflects the compassion of Malaysians for the people of Gaza,” Tunku Nashrul said.
In domestic developments, the PMO announced that starting today, all 16 million eligible Malaysians can purchase RON95 petrol at RM1.99 per litre, down from the unsubsidised price of RM2.60.
Since its weekend rollout for Armed Forces, police, and Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah recipients, more than 912,000 Malaysians have redeemed Budi95 benefits, amounting to 21.8 million litres of subsidised fuel worth RM43.7 million. Each eligible individual is entitled to 300 litres per month, translating to a subsidy of up to RM183.
“The government is also collaborating with e-hailing operators to increase quotas for drivers and exploring ways to extend subsidies to boat operators in Sabah and Sarawak. The Madani government remains committed to easing the burden on the people,” Tunku Nashrul added.
This announcement highlights Malaysia’s dual role on the international and domestic stage—balancing diplomacy, humanitarian action, and public welfare with human compassion at its core.
