Anwar looks forward to working with Trump

PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has congratulated US president Donald Trump on his inauguration and expressed his eagerness to strengthen US-Malaysia relations.

“I look forward to working with president Trump to strengthen the robust, complementary and forward-looking ties between Malaysia and the United States,” Anwar said.

With Malaysia taking over as Asean chair this year, Anwar hoped to welcome Trump to Malaysia in 2025.

“Trump brings a unique approach to addressing domestic and global challenges, as evidenced by his pivotal role in facilitating the Gaza ceasefire even before his inauguration,” said Anwar in a Facebook post.

“Malaysia stands ready to collaborate on shared priorities as the Trump administration strives to herald a new golden age for America.”

Trump was sworn in as the 47th US president amid uncertainty surrounding foreign relations and tariff policies.

The US is Malaysia’s largest source of foreign investment and a vital player in Asia-Pacific geopolitics.

In November, Anwar congratulated Trump after the latter claimed victory in the US presidential election and said he hoped the superpower would reinvigorate its engagement with Southeast Asia when Malaysia assumes the Asean chairmanship this year.