KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim made full use of his time with United States President Donald Trump in “The Beast” on Sunday to discuss several issues following the latter’s arrival in Malaysia.
The prime minister said their conversation covered a wide range of topics, including Malaysia’s ties with China, his invitation to Brazil and South Africa for the 47th Asean Summit, trade tariffs and the situation in Gaza.
“I make full use of the opportunity to engage with Trump. He is a good listener in these private engagements, gives some views and politely disagrees on some issues.
“Maybe he wants to know, of course, our relationship with the neighbours, particularly with China, why I invited Brazil and South Africa and I engaged,” he told reporters after the closing of the Asean Summit and Related Summits.
Anwar was responding to a question about the topics discussed with Trump during their ride to the city centre on Sunday.
Present were Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan and Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz.
Anwar said, in discussing efforts towards a lasting and just peace in Gaza, Trump said the current plan was only the first phase and that further steps were being pursued.
“I think I was in a fortunate position because firstly he allowed me to have that four-eyed meeting with him in private, in confidence.
“He listens very attentively to our views… I think I did my best to present the voice of conscience on what Malaysia wants to do now,” he said.
Anwar said had Trump not visited, Malaysia would not have had the opportunity to raise its views on Gaza, nor be a voice for him to hear directly.
He said, while parts of their exchange were enlightening, private discussions between world leaders must remain confidential.
“There are many things he said in private which are enlightening to me and I was happy to hear that. These are private conversations between leaders. You have to respect that.
“You start leaking phone calls like we did in the past, nobody wants to talk to you or you leaking private conversation. So I’m just informing things that I think are things which are permissible,” he said.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
