During the 47th ASEAN Summit, Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Anwar engaged warmly with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos, but a social media video of their interaction sparked unexpected online controversy.
A short clip circulating online appeared to show Anwar greeting the First Lady with an overly intimate gesture, though the angle of the footage was misleading. Many users took screenshots, added exaggerated commentary, and spread the content widely, triggering a wave of public debate.
Addressing the issue at a press conference following the summit’s closing ceremony, Anwar firmly denounced the false claims and clarified the truth.
“It was simply a matter of camera angle! I always treat every leader and their spouse with courtesy and respect. To twist normal diplomatic etiquette into something inappropriate is utterly absurd,” he said.
Anwar stressed that such rumors are not only disrespectful to him personally but also damage Malaysia’s international image.
“Our participation in the ASEAN Summit represents the nation. Interactions with world leaders should reflect friendship and diplomacy, yet some deliberately misrepresent these gestures. This behavior is both petty and shameful,” he added.
He urged the public not to believe or share unverified clips and statements, warning that legal action could be taken against those spreading malicious rumors.
Reiterating that all interactions at the ASEAN Summit were based on mutual respect and professional etiquette, Anwar affirmed that he will continue promoting regional cooperation with openness and friendliness, refusing to let baseless rumors interfere with Malaysia’s diplomatic efforts.
