Between Trade and Principles: Should Malaysia Welcome Trump?
- Nuraiah Binte Farid
- Oct 18
- 4 min read
As Malaysia prepares to host the ASEAN Summit, all eyes are on one particularly polarizing guest: former U.S. President Donald Trump. His expected attendance is already stirring debate within Malaysia’s political, civic, and diplomatic circles. On one hand, Trump’s visit represents an opportunity for Malaysia to strengthen trade ties and enhance its geopolitical relevance. On the other, it risks undermining Malaysia’s principled foreign policy stance, particularly regarding the ongoing genocide in Gaza, where Trump’s unwavering support for Israel has drawn sharp criticism across the global community.
This tension between pragmatism and principle raises a critical question: Should Malaysia welcome Trump?
The Economic Angle: What’s in it for Malaysia?
Malaysia’s economy is deeply intertwined with global trade, and the United States remains one of its most significant partners. In 2023, trade between the two nations surpassed USD 72 billion, driven largely by electronics, palm oil, and machinery exports. A renewed U.S.–Malaysia trade talk under Trump could help diversify Malaysia’s trade relationships and provide leverage amid U.S.–China competition in Southeast Asia.
Malaysia’s leaders also see a chance to strike better deals, especially in semiconductor manufacturing, a sector that’s becoming the backbone of global supply chains. With the U.S. now shifting its industries to countries it considers friendly, Malaysia’s balanced foreign policy and prime location make it an attractive partner. Welcoming Trump could help secure easier access to U.S. markets and bring in fresh foreign investment.
But it’s not just about economics. There's powerful symbolism too. Hosting Trump at the ASEAN Summit would raise Malaysia’s profile as a diplomatic hot spot, showing that it can work with major powers while still charting its own path. It’s a way for Kuala Lumpur to influence the regional conversation and prove itself as a middle power that can navigate the U.S.–China rivalry on its own terms. — Nuraiah Binte Farid
The Moral Dilemma: Palestine, Public Opinion, and Political Risk
However, Trump’s visit poses significant political and ethical challenges. Malaysia has long championed the Palestinian cause and refuses to establish diplomatic relations with Israel until a just resolution is reached. Trump’s vocal support for Israel’s military actions in Gaza — and his 2025 proposal to grant Israel administrative control over the territory stand in stark contrast to Malaysia’s foreign policy principles.
This dissonance is not merely rhetorical. The public sentiment in Malaysia remains overwhelmingly pro-Palestinian, and large-scale demonstrations in Kuala Lumpur have reflected deep anger toward U.S. policy in the region, including protests held outside the US embassy.
Welcoming Trump risks domestic backlash, particularly from Islamist parties, civil society organizations, and younger voters who view Palestine as a moral red line. — Nuraiah Binte Farid
Furthermore, Malaysia, a nation known for its reputation as a voice for Muslim solidarity, could be undermined if it appears willing to sideline principles for economic gain. Critics argue that Trump’s visit would signal a form of diplomatic hypocrisy, one that weakens Malaysia’s standing in the Global South and diminishes its influence in organizations like the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
Navigating the Dilemma: Conditional Engagement as the Solution
Malaysia faces a tricky challenge: how to balance economic interests with moral principles. Instead of simply rejecting or welcoming Trump outright, a strategy of conditional engagement might be the smarter move.
First, Malaysia could use the visit to reaffirm its support for international law and Palestinian self-determination. By framing any talks around these principles, the country avoids looking like it’s going along with policies it disagrees with. The summit could be an opportunity for Malaysia to push the U.S. for concrete humanitarian action, like more aid to Gaza or backing for fairer ceasefire talks. This way, Malaysia shows it stands by its values while also positioning itself as a constructive player on the global stage.
Finally, working closely with ASEAN partners is key. A united regional approach would reduce the risks of purely transactional diplomacy and make sure Trump’s visit doesn’t undermine ASEAN’s bigger strategic goals.
Conclusion: Can Trade and Principles Go Hand in Hand?
In the end, Malaysia’s decision is not about choosing trade over principle — it is about ensuring that one does not erase the other. Trump’s visit presents undeniable economic opportunities, but it also tests Malaysia’s diplomatic identity and its credibility as a principled actor on the global stage.
By adopting a carefully calibrated approach — one that welcomes dialogue but refuses to compromise core values — Malaysia can demonstrate that engagement with major powers is possible without sacrificing moral leadership. In a multipolar world, strength lies not in choosing sides, but in setting the terms of engagement.
Writer's Notes:
Writing this article was my way of diving into one of the most complicated realities of foreign policy that it’s never just about choosing sides, it’s about balancing power, principle, and pragmatism. What fascinated me most about this topic was how a single diplomatic decision like hosting a controversial leader can reveal so much about a country’s strategic priorities, economic ambitions, and global identity.
This article pushed me to question how nations like Malaysia manage competing interests in a rapidly changing world: How far should a country go to protect its values? And at what point do economic opportunities outweigh political discomfort? These are the kinds of messy, uncomfortable questions that make international economics and policy so endlessly interesting and exactly why I wanted to write this piece.
Writer's Biography:
Nuraiah Binte Farid is a Year 3 student majoring in Economics and International Economics, with a particular interest in how economics influences global security, diplomacy, and peace. Her academic focus leans toward military and peace economics, where policy decisions, economic choices, and strategic outcomes intersect.
Outside of her studies, Nuraiah is known for her spontaneous spirit someone who embraces new experiences and sees them as stories worth collecting. She enjoys making and listening to music, experimenting in the kitchen, and reading books that challenge the way she sees the world.
Curious by nature and driven by a desire to understand the bigger picture, Nuraiah approaches both writing and life with an open mind, always ready to question, explore, and learn something new.
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