Trump's Presence, Malaysia's Poise - ASEAN Summit Rebuilt Trust

By Samantha Tan

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 28 (Bernama) -- When United States President Donald Trump’s motorcade rolled through the streets of Kuala Lumpur, the city paused. Not just for the spectacle but for what it symbolised. For the first time in a decade, a sitting US president came to Malaysia, bringing with him a renewed message of friendship and commitment.

Trump's visit, though brief, carried a significance that went beyond the flashing cameras and official handshakes. It marked a moment where old allies reconnected and new trust was rekindled, underscoring the enduring partnership between Malaysia, ASEAN and the US,—a partnership rooted in shared prosperity, security and the belief in open dialogue.

For many, the visit was a reminder of how deeply Malaysia's success is intertwined with strong ties to Washington. The US has long stood as Malaysia's most important partner in trade, technology and defence, helping to build bridges across the region and laying the foundation for ASEAN's stability and growth.

Foreign Affairs, Strategy and Security Analyst at Universiti Malaya, Collins Chong Yew Keat, said Trump's arrival in Kuala Lumpur came at a critical juncture for Southeast Asia, a region navigating shifting power dynamics and mounting global uncertainty. 

"Trump arrived with a clear message: the US is with you 100 per cent and we intend to be a strong partner and friend for many generations to come. The region will need America's power at its full strength and only Trump is able to revive the American power and its economy, which will benefit the region more," he told Bernama today.

Meanwhile, National Council of Professors Fellow, Prof Dr Azmi Hassan, said the energy surrounding Trump’s visit was palpable.

"Everyone wanted a quiet moment with him (Trump) even a few minutes mattered. Trump meant a great deal to these foreign leaders who are here in Malaysia," he said, recalling how Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet discreetly passed an envelope to Trump during the summit.

But beyond the photo ops and handshakes, Prof Azmi said something far more consequential unfolded behind the scenes, a rare face-to-face meeting between the US and Chinese trade teams on the sidelines of the summit.

"One thing that, I think, highlights the presence of Trump in Malaysia is the presence of the trade team from the White House and also the trade team from China. They have been discussing this (trade) in Kuala Lumpur for, I think, two days. Finally it was announced that both teams agreed on the general framework of a trade deal between the US and China," he said.

He said the deal, set to be brought forward to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in Gyeongju, South Korea, could pave the way for a long-awaited meeting between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

"As I see it, Trump's presence in Kuala Lumpur, together with his negotiation team and the team from Beijing, really projected and reinforced the high possibility of Trump and Xi meeting in Seoul because of the successful negotiations between the two trade teams," he said.

For Prof Azmi, this marks a subtle but significant diplomatic victory for Malaysia and a reminder of the country's growing reputation as a reliable mediator in times of global uncertainty.

For Kuala Lumpur, the visit was more than a diplomatic engagement. It was a recognition of Malaysia’s role as a bridge between east and west and as a voice of moderation in an increasingly complex world.

As the motorcades faded and the city returned to its usual rhythm, what lingered was not just the memory of a high-profile visit but the quiet reminder that trust and partnership still matter and that Malaysia continues to play its part in shaping the future of ASEAN, hand in hand with its most enduring friends across the Pacific.

-- BERNAMA