00:00When Donald Trump stepped off Air Force One on Sunday morning and began swaying to the beat of
00:05kompang drums, Malaysia offered the world a rare sight, a moment of diplomacy through dance.
00:13For once, the world's most polarizing politician wasn't making headlines for confrontation,
00:18but for connection. On the red carpet at Kuala Lumpur International Airport,
00:23the 79-year-old US President smiled, waved both the Malaysian and American flags,
00:29and moved, not perfectly but joyfully, to the rhythm of Malaysia's welcome.
00:35Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim joined in, turning a routine arrival into a scene of laughter,
00:40spontaneity and ease. Across the world, viewers took notice, many describing the brief dance as
00:48the kind of diplomacy we need, and proof that warmth travels farther than words.
00:53Trump was in Kuala Lumpur for the ASEAN summit, but his reception was more about statecraft than any
01:01communique could. Because the real story wasn't Trump's dance, it was Malaysia's, a nation fluent
01:08in the language of hospitality. In the choreography of drums, flags and smiles, Malaysia reminded the world
01:17that diplomacy can be graceful, confident and human. And on that humid morning, as a president moved to
01:25our beat, the world saw what soft power can look like, rhythm, sincerity and the unmistakable warmth of Malaysia.
01:33To read Frankie de Cruz's full column, visit FMT.
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