KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 30 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has rebuffed opposition claims over the reception given to US President Donald Trump during his visit to Malaysia on Sunday.
According to Free Malaysia Today, Anwar clarified that Trump was given a “basic” welcome rather than a full state reception, the same treatment extended to Chinese President Xi Jinping during his April visit.
“The welcome for President Trump was identical to what we offered President Xi. There was no additional ceremony at Seri Perdana or the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre,” he told the Dewan Rakyat.
By contrast, Anwar noted that leaders from Brazil and South Africa were greeted with three separate ceremonies. “For Brazil and South Africa, there were welcome events at the airport, a cultural performance by schoolchildren, and also at KLCC,” he said.
He criticised those who accused the government of over-the-top hospitality for Trump, saying they overlooked the achievements of the bilateral meetings and focused only on the airport cultural performance.
Anwar also expressed frustration that the opposition had not acknowledged Malaysia’s firm stance on the Gaza conflict during discussions with Trump.
“Not a single word of appreciation has been offered for defending Malaysia’s right to uphold the principle of centrality,” he said.
PAS had earlier criticised the red carpet welcome, calling it excessive given the ongoing suffering in Gaza.
Trump was greeted by Anwar and senior officials upon arriving from Air Force One and appeared in good spirits, joining a brief cultural dance and waving both the Malaysian and US flags.
