Takiyuddin: Welcoming Trump Is Superfluous, Malaysia Should Uphold Pro-Palestinian Stance

(Kuala Lumpur, 27th) — Regarding US President Trump's visit to Malaysia for the ASEAN Summit, PAS believes that while our country expands economic, diplomatic, and geopolitical ties, we must not neglect our own stance, which is to defend the principles of fairness, autonomy, and freedom, especially on issues concerning the Palestinian people.
PAS Secretary-General Datuk Seri Takiyuddin last night (26th) issued a statement urging the government to put the Palestinian humanitarian crisis as a key agenda in negotiations with the US, and to uphold Malaysia's consistent position of opposing occupation of other countries and brutality.
“Welcoming Trump in pointless and unnecessary ways is tantamount to rubbing salt in the wounds of the people of Gaza, and challenges the free world's sensitivity to humanitarian disasters. Such approaches should not become our mode of engagement with the other party (Trump).”

“PAS also reminds that any negotiations or economic and trade agreements between Malaysia and the US must be based on the principles of fairness and mutual respect. Exchanges between the two countries should also be equal and mutually beneficial, rather than being unilaterally dominated.”

Takiyuddin stated that in the game of relations between our country and major powers, whether in trade, investment, or technology transfer, the interests of the people and the nation must come first, while also safeguarding national dignity.
“On the world stage, our country stands not only as a dignified and democratic developing nation, but also as a moral voice for the Islamic world, and must defend the sovereignty, independence and human rights of Southeast Asian countries.”