Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim shared a light-hearted moment from his recent interaction with United States President Donald Trump during the 47th ASEAN Summit, revealing how the two leaders bonded over humour and informal gestures.
Speaking at a joint press conference, Anwar recounted that Trump had invited him to ride in the U.S. presidential state car, famously known as “The Beast,” upon arriving in Kuala Lumpur.
Anwar said he initially pointed out that such an arrangement went against standard security protocols.
When the President arrived, he invited me to ride with him. I told him that violates security protocol, but he was very happy to break it,” Anwar said with a smile, adding that the atmosphere was warm and relaxed.
“We share some similarities”
Anwar also joked that both leaders had something unexpected in common.
We share a lot of things in common. I was in prison, and he almost got there.” he quipped, drawing laughter from the room.
Despite the humour, Anwar said the car ride was productive, with both leaders exchanging views on international and regional issues during the journey to the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC).
Trump kept his promise to attend
Anwar admitted he was initially unsure if Trump would truly attend the summit, but was pleasantly surprised when the U.S. President followed through.
At 10am, Trump arrived at KLIA’s Hibiscus VIP Complex aboard Air Force One, where Anwar personally welcomed him. The two then travelled together in The Beast to KLCC for the summit agenda.
The moment, captured by media photographers, quickly became one of the most talked-about highlights of Trump’s Malaysia visit.
