ASEAN Beat

Why Obama Should Meet Anwar Ibrahim in Malaysia

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ASEAN Beat

Why Obama Should Meet Anwar Ibrahim in Malaysia

Meeting the popular opposition leader would be consistent with US democratic ideals.

U.S. President Barack Obama is due to travel to Malaysia on April 27, 2014. This will be a historic visit that should seek to accomplish U.S. goals in the region but also demonstrate the value of democracy and rule of law.

While this trip is seen as an opportunity for the U.S. to make headway on initiatives such as the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade agreement, it is also an opportunity to demonstrate U.S. adherence to democratic values. A meeting between Obama and de-facto opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim can help America on both ends.

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