Malaysian hospitality shone at its best and brightest during the 47th Asean Summit in Kuala Lumpur from Oct 26–28, after months of meticulous preparations to welcome Heads of State and their delegations, not to mention their security details.
Traffic routes for motorcades with outriders were choreographed like a seamless rhythmic movement to ensure maximum security and comfort for visiting dignitaries. Malaysia rolled out the red carpets, flags, dances, music, and sumptuous food – a celebration of camaraderie, goodwill, and regal splendour.
It would have been just another Asean Summit under Malaysia’s chairmanship if not for the presence of Donald Trump, President of the United States of America, a staunch supporter of Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The world’s attention turned to this enigmatic president – controversial at home and even more so abroad, particularly over his belligerent stance in the Middle East and Ukraine conflicts. He has also taken on Venezuela under the pretext of combating drug traffickers, and antagonised much of the world by imposing tariffs on friends and foes alike in his quest to “Make America Great Again.”
This controversial figure descended – literally and metaphorically – on Kuala Lumpur on Oct 26 in Air Force One, escorted by a Royal Malaysian Air Force F/A-18D Hornet. Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim rolled out a red-carpet welcome in a spectacular ceremony replete with music and dances. Normally, such a reception would see the guest move smoothly from the plane to the waiting dignitaries and past the Guard of Honour to the limousine. But this time, Anwar ushered Trump to a group of dancers dressed in the traditional costumes of Malaysia, who had been performing since Air Force One aligned with the red carpet.
As Trump descended the stairs, he was greeted by Anwar and the rhythmic strains of Pak Ngah’s Dikir Puteri, sung by Noraniza Idris. As the pair approached the dancers, the music transitioned to the Hawaii Five-O theme, prompting Trump to join in the Inang/Joget dance – fists clenched overhead, moving in rhythm with the music. Anwar, as the gracious host, joined in too. The clip went viral worldwide. Trump then approached flag-waving schoolchildren and, in a gesture that delighted the crowd, waved both the Malaysian and American flags.
This was a welcoming ceremony beyond the mundane – infused with gaiety, exuberance, and an air of congeniality between Trump and Anwar that led Trump to invite the Malaysian prime minister to accompany him in “The Beast” for the 40-minute ride through Kuala Lumpur.
It set the tone for Trump’s stay in Malaysia. From then on, he took centre stage at the signing of the Peace Accord between Thailand and Cambodia and during the Asean–US Summit.
Opposition critics were quick to accuse Anwar of being obsequious to Trump, pandering to a “criminal” and honouring the “perpetrator of genocide” against the Palestinian people. These politicians – most of whom are mere jaguh kampung – know little about governance, diplomacy, or international engagement. Their forte lies in blurting out inane statements in and outside Parliament, oblivious to the integrative nature of national and global diplomatic and economic machinations.
Some disgruntled politicians even suggested that Anwar withdraw the invitation to Trump because of his unwavering support for Israel and complicity in the genocide of Palestinians. They need to be reminded that the invitation came not from Malaysia, but from Asean. As the current Asean chair, Malaysia extended the invitation on behalf of all member nations.
Thus, representing the region, Malaysia was duty-bound to act with civility and decorum in hosting foreign dignitaries. It is part of Malaysian hospitality to accord respect and dignity to visiting Heads of State – and this, Malaysia and Anwar did spectacularly. The nation gained immense international exposure, particularly from the viral “Trump dance” and the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accord.
Anwar and his team did a sterling job in treating the guests with utmost respect and candour – engaging and entertaining them without being obsequious, but with dignity and aplomb. Kudos to Malaysia for a successful and fruitful Asean Summit.
Professor Emeritus Datuk Dr Mohamed Ghouse Nasuruddin has conducted extensive research on traditional Malay dances, music, and theatre of Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, and Sarawak. He was director of dance for the opening and closing ceremonies of the 1998 Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur. He has also published 16 books and over 180 articles in local and international journals, as well as 25 dramatic plays in Malay and English.
The views expressed here are the personal opinion of the writer and do not necessarily represent that of Twentytwo13.
Main image: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his wife Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail warmly welcome Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and his wife Pich Chanmony. – Bernama
