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If you've been following the 47th ASEAN Summit, you may have noticed a quirky figure among all the national leaders
That person is none other than Timor-Leste's prime minister, José Alexandre "Xanana" Gusmão. His charming demeanour, laid-back style — and often, hilarious moments — have drawn the attention of Malaysians and the Internet as a whole.
If the name doesn't ring a bell, you might have seen him in viral videos from the previous ASEAN Summit earlier this year, where Gusmão was seen handing out sweets to the media.
Take a look at that moment below:
Here are some fascinating facts about the charismatic leader you might not know:
1. He fought tooth and nail for Timor-Leste's independence
Despite his light-hearted appearance, Gusmão has endured immense hardship for his country.
Following the Indonesian military invasion of Timor-Leste in 1975, shortly after its brief independence from Portugal, Gusmão became a key figure in the resistance.
By 1981, he was elected Commander-in-Chief of the National Liberation Armed Forces of Timor-Leste (FALINTIL).
2. He spent seven years in prison for his country
After 17 years leading a guerrilla war, Gusmão was captured by Indonesian forces in November 1992 and sentenced to life imprisonment. Even in prison, he continued directing the resistance and gained global recognition, including a visit from prominent figures like Nelson Mandela.
Following international pressure and a UN-supervised referendum, he was released in September 1999.
Gusmão returned to Timor-Leste following his release in 1999.
Gusmão later became Timor-Leste's first president in 2002 and served until 2007, earning him the nickname "Mandela of Asia" for his resilience and commitment to reconciliation.
3. He's a prolific writer and an artistic person
While imprisoned, Gusmão honed his artistic side, painting and writing poetry.
He won the Timor Poetry Prize in 1975 for his work titled Mauberíadas and continued writing behind bars, with works like I'm at War, Grandfather Crocodile, and Oh! Freedom!. Proceeds from the sale of his paintings went to support the resistance.
Gusmao's 'Tunnel of Time' painting undergoing restoration.
Image via ICSDuring his incarceration, Gusmão also studied Bahasa Indonesia, English, and Law.
His writings were later published in his autobiography To Resist Is to Win. He even narrated a 2006 documentary film, A Hero's Journey/Where the Sun Rises, which chronicled his life and the struggle for Timor-Leste's independence.
4. He is currently serving as the 10th prime minister of Timor-Leste
Following his five-year term as president, he became prime minister in 2007 and served for two terms. Gusmão resigned early in 2015, saying it was time for a new generation of leaders.
However, Gusmão returned to the position after his party's coalition won the general election in 2023.
5. He shed tears when Timor-Leste's flag joined other ASEAN flags
Timor-Leste officially joined ASEAN as its 11th full member on Sunday, 26 October, marking the culmination of a 14-year wait. ASEAN leaders witnessed this touching moment during the opening of the 47th ASEAN Summit.
Gusmão was visibly moved, unable to hold back tears as he signed the declaration confirming Timor-Leste's admission.
6. His nickname has American roots
"Xanana" actually comes from the name of the American rock and roll band Sha Na Na.
Despite his storied past, Gusmão continues to carry himself with the same easygoing energy that has endeared him to so many:
In this particular moment, when Prime Minister Datuk Sri Anwar teased, "Did you only give [the sweets] to the girls?", Gusmão laughed and shot back, "No, to the man also!".
