US President Donald Trump began his five-day Asian trip (Malaysia, Japan, South Korea) in Kuala Lumpur to attend the 47th Asean Summit. He received a warm official welcome upon arrival, greeted by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and cultural performers, with whom he gamely interacted.
The visit marks a high point for Anwar, emphasizing his role in geopolitics, notably facilitating a ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia, which Trump is expected to witness. However, the visit immediately sparked controversy due to Malaysia’s strong pro-Gaza sentiment.
An organized anti-Trump protest, denouncing his policies and showing solidarity with Palestine, was relocated from Ampang Park to Merdeka Square after police cordoned off the original location.
Protesters chanted "Trump not welcome" and "Hands off Palestine," underscoring the political friction surrounding the visit, the first by a sitting US President to Malaysia since 2014.
