KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called on Asean to maintain its cohesion, centrality and role as a neutral platform amid global rivalries.
He said peace and stability are vital for regional prosperity.
Anwar said that the region had shown strong unity during the recent US–Asean summit chaired by Malaysia.
He said there was consensus among member states to maintain centrality while deepening engagement with all major powers.
“There’s consensus built on the need to maintain our centrality, to continue engaging with the US, China and the rest. And for Malaysia, it’s even more critical,” he said at the Bloomberg Business Summit, held on the sidelines of the Asean meetings.
He urged member countries to focus on expanding intra-Asean trade and connectivity.
“While we acknowledge that this is relatively one of the most peaceful regions and among the fastest-growing economies in the world, what we lack within Asean is inter-Asean trade and investment. We’re now pushing that agenda forward,” he said.
Anwar also highlighted Malaysia’s efforts to safeguard regional peace and security.
He said Malaysia has been working with multiple partners to strengthen regional maritime security.
“The country has reached an agreement with the US to enhance its maritime capabilities, while also engaging China and India to help protect the South China Sea and the Indian Ocean,” he said.
He also cited Malaysia’s mediation efforts in the Cambodia–Thailand border crisis through the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accord.
Anwar added that Malaysia continues to engage with Myanmar’s leadership to support peace efforts and provide humanitarian aid.
“Malaysia has set a clear condition for its support: a ceasefire and full access for humanitarian assistance,” he said.
He said that the business and investment community can only thrive if the region remains peaceful and stable.
“It is our task to ensure that this region is peaceful. It augurs very well for the future of this region,” he added.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
