Trump Steals The Show But Pmx Had Close Encounter Of The Beast Kind

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DONALD Trump came, saw and went home with a bagful of goodies after signing a trade deal with Malaysia.
Making a two-day stop-over in Kuala Lumpur to attend the 47th ASEAN Summit, the POTUS (president of the US) got what he wanted most: a trade pact that will open up Malaysia’s market for US exports.
It was all about what’s good for business although Trump also came to witness the signing of a ceasefire accord between Thailand and Cambodia in the aftermath of a brief border war.
But what is most memorable about his trip is that he was the star of the ASEAN show – whether one liked it or not.
In fact, he stole the limelight as all eyes were on this political maverick who has rattled the world with his “tariff tantrum”.
From the time Air Force One landed at the Bunga Raya Complex @ KLIA, the world was eagerly waiting to see him emerged from the door.
And there he finally stepped out in the flesh with all his signature appearance – distinctive hairstyle or the “golden fleece”, “zipped smiles”, custom suits with large red ties and – of course – his clenched fist.




















Breaking ice inside The Beast
Descending slowly while gripping the handrail firmly, the world’s most powerful man showed his age. At 79, he has to watch his steps lest he takes a stumble in front of a world audience and become a liability if he decides to make a run for a third term.
But once on terra firma, he was in high spirits, pumping hand with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim before the unpredictable, unscripted happened – he performed his signature fist-pump dance on the red carpet to the beat of a catchy Hawaii Five-O theme music.
A video clip of the dance reportedly went viral on social media, garnering 37.9 million vews – testifying to his pulling power as president and entertainer.
Anwar was not prepared for the next surprise; Trump invited the PMX for a ride in the presidential limousine CadiIlac One a.k.a. “The Beast” and thereby breaking security rules. That’s Trump the unconventional leader.
But the trip to the KL Convention Centre (KLCC) from the tarmac was not a joy ride. It turned out to be the enclosed venue of an impromptu one-to-one meeting between the two leaders to discuss a wide range of topics.
According to the PMX, the subjects covered included Malaysia’s ties with China (US archfoe), trade tariffs and inevitably the situation in Gaza.
The strength of this four-eyed meeting was that it was held in private and in confidence without the presence and interference of high-ranking American and Malaysian officials.
In such a rare setting, Anwar took the golden opportunity to engage with Trump in some serious conversation. “He is a good listener,” enthused the PMX.
Or maybe they let their hair down and punctuated their tete-a-tete with jokes and guffaw without having to worry about the world eavesdropping on them.

Unfolding mystery inside The Beast
The Beast formula is perhaps the best alternative tool to conduct a heart-to-heart talk between world leaders without the trappings of a formal roundtable discussions under the harsh glare of the media.
But of course, back in Putrajaya, Anwar was glowing with pride. He probably regaled his Cabinet colleagues how he gave Trump the White House treatment – Putrajaya style – in that beast of a car.
“I really gave him hot, especially over the issue of Gaza. He was cringing in the corner, he just nodded his head, darting fearful look outside the car window.,” recounted PMX.
“I told him there are very angry demonstrators outside. He went pale. He just kept quiet. He just listened. A good listener.”
US president Donald Trump (left) and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim ink the US-Malaysia Reciprocal Trade Agreement (ART) on Oct 26 in conjunction with the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur (Image credit: Anwar Ibrahim/Facebook)
But when Trump is back in the White House, all the busybodies starting with Vice-President J.D.  Vance will be crowding around him, eager to find out what transpired in the armoured car.
Perhaps, they might have bombarded him with questions: Did you give him the White House treatment? Did you whack him nice and thorough on China and Palestine? Did you in any way sell out American interests?
How would Trump react? Let’s imagine what happened next. With a zipped smile and puckered chin, out came a one liner: “I took Anwar for a ride.” 
Phlip Rodrigues is a retired journalist.
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of  MMKtT.
-  Focus Malaysia.

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