Didn't hell almost break loose in this country after news broke out that controversial US president Donald Trump had been invited to attend the ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur?
Unsurprisingly, outspoken ex-premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad was one of those who had called out prime minister Anwar Ibrahim for welcoming Trump whom he portrayed as one of the “main actors” behind Israel's genocide in Palestine; in fact, in typically abrasive fashion he had gone on to state : “A person like Trump, no matter how powerful, should not be welcomed in Malaysia!"
Yet, it wouldn't have gone unnoticed that after Trump had departed, the anticipated backlash from the usually vocal two-time ex-premier had been somewhat muted; this of course may have prompted some to ask: could it be that Dr Mahathir’s worst fears had come true after his nemesis had seemingly succeeded in stealing the thunder from him – and even eclipsing him as the country's undisputed statesman?
Nevertheless, other opposition leaders here were in no mood to tone down their condemnation of the much-maligned US president’s visit here; in fact, PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan had stressed that Malaysia’s role as the ASEAN chair should not ignore the country’s principles, and that the excessive reception granted to Trump was akin to pouring salt on the still-bleeding wounds of the Palestinians!
Likewise, opposition-friendly former DAP strongman Prof Dr P Ramasamy was another one who had poured cold water on the lavish treatment accorded to the controversial US president, even hinting that it may be an indication that Anwar actually cared little for the future of the Palestinians!
Meanwhile, outspoken PAS information chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari had literally prophesied that the federal government’s decision to welcome Trump to Malaysia will go down as the “worst chapter” in Anwar Ibrahim’s administration - and could even lead to his downfall!
Ironically, PAS’s own PN coalition could now be facing a possible collapse following bitter infighting in its opposition ally Bersatu!
Anyway, as things turned out, Anwar's cool handling of both the ASEAN Summit and president Trump's visit must have taken the opposition by surprise; in fact, many may have hoped that PMX would fumble big time; instead he had actually revelled in it, combining quintessential Malaysian “kampung” charm and hospitality with his suave diplomatic panache – to deliver a virtuoso performance that would have captivated a worldwide audience.
Perhaps, renowned journalist Frankie D'Cruz summed it up aptly; according to him, when Trump stepped off Air Force One and began dancing to the beat of the kompang, for once, the world’s most polarising politician wasn’t making headlines for confrontation - but for connection!
Wasn't Trump's instinctive dance sparked by Malaysia's unique mixture of hospitality, sincerity and inclusivity (surely, a product of the nation's multiracial and multicultural melting pot)?
D’Cruz then added: what greater compliment can there be to a country after an American viewer had reportedly enthused on social media: “What beautiful people you have (that) Trump felt so welcome - he even danced!”
In fact, the writer went on to highlight that in a broader sense the Kuala Lumpur ASEAN Summit itself showed that in an era unsettled by trade wars, shifting alliances and geopolitical tempests, Malaysia’s diplomacy actually managed to steady a shifting world. (And that's no mean feat by a relatively small country!)
But could have opposition leaders such as Muhyiddin, Hamzah Zainudin, Hadi - or even Dr Mahathir - done better than Anwar in handling Donald Trump?
In truth, it would seem that PMX deserves all the plaudits for boldly inviting Trump despite protests at home over the American leader’s support for Israel’s war in Gaza - and his own unflinching stance on the Palestinian plight; in fact, if the opposition had been in power, wasn't it likely that they may have capitulated to the strong pro-Palestinian lobby in the country? And what would have been the consequences then?
Furthermore, it wasn't all about diplomacy only, much was also accomplished in the business end as well, though predictably it may have been lopsided in favour of the superpower; still, Anwar and his negotiators did manage to dial down the tariff to 19%, and most crucially, secured exemption for the country's most strategic exports such as semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, and aerospace components.
Is it right then for the Palestinian agenda to be given priority over the economic interests of the country?
Interestingly, a former opposition figure from Bersatu had also acknowledged Anwar's “pragmatism” and stressed that while Malaysia holds deep emotional ties to the Palestinian cause, it must distinguish emotion from policy.
In fact, right now, the question on the minds of many may well be: after the shameful 1MDB scandal, and more recently the alleged falsification of citizenship documents for heritage footballers, didn't Anwar manage to restore the country's battered reputation, and more importantly its dignity?
In hindsight, PMX and his team may have punched above their weight to project a new image for the country - one that values sincerity, equality, humanity, and lasting peace; yet perhaps, what many here would be asking is: will he be bold enough to apply these noble values in his own divided nation?
Dr Mahathir finally silenced…?
In conclusion, back in 1998, in a press conference reported by the New York Times, Dr Mahathir had practically “announced” to the whole world that Anwar was “unfit” to govern the nation following dubious sodomy allegations; however now, it would appear that not only did the latter succeed in restoring the country's dignity globally, but didn't he also restore his own dignity - which was cruelly prised away from him some 27 years ago? In fact, didn't Anwar finally make his former boss “eat his words” while showing the whole world, albeit belatedly, who the real statesman is?
Main information source: NST, Malaysiakini, Focus Malaysia, FMT, AZEAN Ventures and The New York Times.
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