Anwar defends Trump M'sia invite despite Mahathir saying president has 'blood on his hands'

Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has defended his invitation to U.S. President Donald Trump to visit the country, despite former PM Mahathir's call to block a world leader whose "hands are stained with the blood of innocent Palestinian children".

Mahathir earlier publicly asked Anwar to withdraw the invitation, citing Trump's unwavering support for Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and his government's brutal actions in Gaza.

However, Anwar said, "We must be wise in making friends."

Speaking to Bernama, Anwar said it has been outspoken in speaking up for the Palestinian plight, but said that negotiations are crucial.

He also cited both the U.S. and China's engagement with Malaysia as a sign of recognition by the superpowers.

China's President Xi Jinping made a state visit to Malaysia in Apr. 2025, ahead of Trump's expected attendance at the Asean Summit in Malaysia in Oct. 2025.

Anwar also rejected calls to sever the country's economic relationship with the U.S.

He said that such a move would hurt Malaysians, particularly in the high-tech sector which employs "tens of thousands" and exports semiconductors to the U.S. for "billions of ringgit".

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Top image from Donald Trump IG and Anwar Ibrahim FB.