Anwar “the Chameleon”: Mastering Diplomacy with Purpose
Donald Trump's visit to Malaysia from October 26–27, 2025 marks a historic milestone in bilateral relations.
Considering that former Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak had previously gotten nowhere despite lobbying for an audience with Trump, the US president's visit to Malaysia has helped to boost Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's image as an international Islamic leader from South East Asia.
The US president’s participation in the ASEAN Summit has signalled a renewed commitment to strengthening trade ties and advancing international cooperation across the region.
Malaysia, a Sovereign non-aligned Natiom
Malaysia, true to its longstanding principle of constructive engagement, continues to position itself as a nation willing to collaborate with all parties in pursuit of mutual benefit.
It is further enhanced by Anwar’s philosophy of transforming adversaries into allies, which has notably deepened Malaysia’s diplomatic rapport with global powers.
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| Extracts from an article published in Sunday Star (Oct 3, 1993) by then reporter (now, Datuk Seri) Wong Chun Wai |
He is a national asset—an exceptional leader capable of building bridges with global counterparts. His ability to foster dialogue and cooperation across divides positions him as a standout figure on the world stage.
Trump’s Lighter Moments in “Hot Climate Culture”
Indeed, this visit by Trump has brought about the camaraderie between the two leaders.
The camaraderie between President Trump and Anwar is truly unprecedented.
Unlike their predecessors, both leaders defy convention—embracing personal diplomacy to cultivate trust and mutual respect.
As compared to the unpleasant speech made by former US vice-president Al Gore in 1998 which was a smack in the face of Dr Mahathir Mohamad, both Anwar and Trump's rapport has achieved a milestone that traditional diplomatic channels might not have accomplished within the brief span of Trump’s visit to Kuala Lumpur.
The difference between Al Gore and Trump is both come from the “cold culture climate” but Trump like his predecessor Jimmy Carter understands better about the “Hot Climate” culture.
(For the difference between “hot climate” and “cold climate” cultures, read my friend Sarah Lanier’s little booklet, “Foreign to Familiar” which she so generously gave me a complimentary soft copy when I needed it for my theological doctoral assignment. I keep my word not to give anyone including my fellow students the PDF instead promote your book now that you have it online).
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| A very good book for all diplomats |
Anwar is known for his ability to let down his guard, occasionally serenading audiences with songs from his favourite artist—Elvis Presley.
Trump’s hairstyle, though more contemporary and less sculpted, carries that unmistakable swoop and front-heavy flair, evoking the iconic pompadour of the King of Rock ’n’ Roll.
And tonight, as I pen these thoughts, I can’t help but wonder: might both leaders be unwinding to a tune or two from Elvis’s timeless repertoire—bridging cultures not just through diplomacy, but through music?
This would be such a big contrast to Trump’s earlier caution during bilateral talks with Najib with his recent warmth: inviting Anwar into the presidential car and even sharing a light-hearted moment on the red carpet shortly after touch down at the airport in Kuala Lumpur.
These two light moment gestures reflect his appreciation for Malaysia’s hospitality and Anwar’s openness. Together, they show that when leaders let down their guard, genuine human connection can pave the way for lasting international cooperation.
What the World Wants
Ultimately, world leaders must place peace and the well-being of their people above antagonism and division.
Anwar has also demonstrated to Trump that, despite Malaysia becominga member of the BRICS bloc, his outreach to the US president underscores Malaysia’s balanced and principled approach—earning respect from both Washington and Beijing, and affirming its role as a bridge-builder in a complex geopolitical landscape.
This week’s signing of the Kuala Lumpur Accords —jointly-negotiated by President Trump and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim—demonstrates that even historically opposing nations such Cambodia and Thailand can still find common ground and collaborate as a unified region.
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| Even my wife spent many long hours as a volunteer to sing at the summit |
Should they extend beyond the Cambodia–Thailand peace talks, Anwar’s joint efforts with President Trump to formally engage Israel and Gaza in Middle East negotiations could, in time, bring both him and Malaysia recognition at the highest level—perhaps even a Nobel Peace Prize. No Malaysian has yet received such an international honour; it is therefore timely for a national leader to rise above cultural and geopolitical prejudices in pursuit of global peace.
Back to their Grinding Stations
Inevitably, once the Summit concludes, both leaders will return to domestic political landscapes where critics await.
Ultimately, it is the tangible outcomes of their collaboration—not the din of partisan criticism—that will shape public judgment and define their legacy. It wouldn’t be surprising if critics on both sides attempt to downplay the weekend’s negotiations or spin new narratives to paint them as a failure.
Yet perception is often shaped by agenda—what truly matters are the outcomes that withstand scrutiny beyond the headlines.
What matters to Malaysians, and everyone around the world, is peace, not war, and for the business community, the priority is the obvious strengthening of bilateral ties with the United States.
Yet for Anwar, the diplomatic balancing act continues—he must also navigate his already good relations with Chinese President Xi Jinping with equal finesse.
If some of his critics calls him a political chameleon, then Anwar's adaptability has served Malaysia well—elevating the nation as a respected and agile player on the global stage.
After all, as the Malay proverb wisely reminds us: when elephants clash, it is the deer (kijang, in Malay) that suffers. Yet in this case, the mouse deer (kancil) on the other hand must stay nimble—not to avoid being crushed, but to outwit the giants and survive. In a world of geopolitical giants, Malaysia’s survival and success depend not on brute strength, but on strategic finesse, something which was lacking in Dr Mahathir's leadership.
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| Although small, the mousedeer, otherwise known as the Sang Kancil in Malay literature is said to be the wisest of all animals. It is otherwise a metaphor used by the ancients to teach young people that size does not matter |
Also read what an esteemed member of the press wrote this morning. I beat him to it—I was the first to put this into words.
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