<h1>Opposition says PM avoided ASEAN summit travel to dodge US president clash; government cites scheduling, stresses partnership</h1> The opposition party alleged the prime minister's decision to attend the ASEAN summit virtually rather than travel to Malaysia was motivated by a desire to avoid being confronted by the US president, citing recent public claims by that president about bilateral energy commitments and conflict mediation. Government sources attributed the virtual participation to scheduling constraints. The opposition amplified the US president's statements to challenge the prime minister's credibility and public diplomacy, while the prime minister communicated bilateral courtesy with the Malaysian chair and affirmed continuation of the ASEAN-India strategic partnership and virtual summit participation.