Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship Praised for Diplomatic Success and Strong Regional Unity
Kuala Lumpur, The Gulf Observer: Malaysia’s Chairmanship of ASEAN this year has been widely lauded as a diplomatic triumph, marked by the issuance of robust joint statements that reflect unity among member states, particularly in addressing urgent global humanitarian and regional security challenges.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s assertive leadership has drawn commendation from both international leaders and the Malaysian public, especially for his firm stance on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. His advocacy led to widespread support from ASEAN member states, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and China, resulting in a unified declaration condemning violence against civilians.
“The bloodshed feels endless. I hope their decades-long suffering will finally end with liberation from Israeli occupation,” said Anni Holilah Syahuddin, 23, a public university student, reflecting the emotional resonance of Malaysia’s foreign policy stance among youth.
Pensioner and former school principal Minati Hamir, 70, also voiced strong support for the government’s advocacy for Palestinian rights. “As ASEAN Chair, Malaysia has a powerful platform to push for more effective regional diplomacy and global awareness campaigns. Support for Gaza must extend beyond Muslim nations. This is a humanitarian crisis that demands global action and solidarity,” she told Bernama.
She further urged the government to intensify awareness initiatives, particularly targeting the younger generation, to ensure the plight of Palestinians is not forgotten.
Echoing this sentiment, Lauren Yee, 35, a private sector employee, commended Prime Minister Anwar for his diplomatic tact in managing complex regional matters, including tensions in the South China Sea. “We hope peaceful resolutions can be achieved through diplomacy. Maintaining regional stability is essential, especially in today’s uncertain global economy,” she said.
Yee expressed confidence in the Prime Minister’s capacity to uphold ASEAN unity and project strong leadership on the international stage. “ASEAN may be geographically small, but we must speak with one voice in the face of global geopolitical challenges.”
Meanwhile, Lim San Shien, 25, a National Bahasa Melayu Icon and Government’s Unity Ambassador, said Malaysia’s effective hosting of the ASEAN Summit reaffirmed the centrality of the regional bloc and its role as a bastion of peace, security, and economic collaboration.
Lim highlighted the launch of the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future as a key achievement, offering a roadmap for enhanced cooperation across economic, socio-cultural, and governance sectors. “The summit also placed a strong emphasis on youth development. We hope ASEAN’s future leaders will be empowered through more inclusive initiatives promoting skills-sharing and dialogue.”
At his concluding press conference, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim credited the success of the 46th ASEAN Summit to the collective effort of the government apparatus and public support. He praised the seamless organization of preparatory and main events held from May 23 to 27, attributing it to a shared commitment to Malaysia’s regional role under the Chairmanship theme of ‘Inclusivity and Sustainability’.
Malaysia is expected to continue playing a vital role in steering ASEAN toward greater unity and resilience in the face of evolving global challenges.
