An Urimai leader has urged PAS to push the government to arrange for a meeting with US president Donald Trump when he is in Malaysia next month for the Asean Summit.
Urimai deputy chairman David Marshel said Trump‘s presence in Malaysia provided PAS, as the party with the greatest number of parliamentary seats, with a historic opportunity to deliver the Malaysian people’s firm stance against Israel’s actions in Gaza.
Marshel added that mass protests would pale in comparison with engaging Trump directly to push for an end to the killing of Palestinians in Gaza.
“PAS should push the government to arrange such a meeting. If both the government and opposition can speak in unison on this matter, Malaysia’s message to Washington and the international community will be far stronger.
“Should this meeting take place, it would not only elevate PAS as the largest political force in Malaysia but also prove that Malaysia can stand as a principled moral voice on the global stage.
“Trump’s presence in Malaysia is a rare occasion, and PAS must act decisively to demonstrate courage and political maturity,” he said in a statement.
This comes hours after PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang questioned Malaysia’s justification for inviting Trump to the Asean Summit, calling it weak and unreasonable.
Hadi had described Trump as a “great devil” and accused him of trying to influence Muslim and Arab leaders into “bowing to him”.
He also cited Islamic teachings and Prophet Muhammad’s guidance on choosing companions carefully, warning against aligning with those who support injustice.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim had defended Trump’s invitation, saying Malaysia had been outspoken in supporting Palestine and Gaza, and would use diplomatic channels to champion the cause.
He added that Malaysia must also be “wise in making friends” and consider the country’s economic interests, particularly in high-tech exports.
As Asean chair, Malaysia will host the 47th Asean Summit from Oct 26 to 28, with invitations also extended to Russian president Vladimir Putin, Brazilian president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and South African president Cyril Ramaphosa.
