Anwar Ibrahim calls for stronger Asean engagement on Myanmar while reaffirming the bloc’s role in promoting regional peace and stability.
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has reaffirmed that Asean centrality must remain the cornerstone of its foreign policy, saying the country’s future is closely tied to the regional bloc, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said.
He said several regional challenges had emerged unexpectedly during Malaysia’s tenure, including a devastating earthquake in Myanmar, ongoing civil conflict there, border clashes between Cambodia and Thailand, as well as unilateral and unfair tariffs imposed by the United States.
“Malaysia’s future is invariably linked to that of Asean.
“That is why I believe that Asean centrality, the misgivings notwithstanding, must remain the cornerstone of our foreign policy and a primary platform through which we advance not only our interests but also regional peace, prosperity and stability,” he said during his keynote address at the 39th Asia-Pacific Roundtable today.
On Myanmar, he said Asean leaders had recently discussed the matter at a meeting in Cebu, where they considered whether engagement efforts could be “bolder or more creative”.
“Future engagements must not merely be more proactive and comprehensive, but also more pragmatic.
“This is why Asean should continue to engage all sides in Myanmar, including the authorities in Naypyidaw, opposition political parties, ethnic armed groups and local NGOs.”
He stressed that any political settlement must be Myanmar-owned and Myanmar-led, rather than externally imposed, adding that the process would take time and require sustained regional commitment.
“This is where Asean centrality will be pivotal in fostering our collective determination to move forward,” he said.
Meanwhile, on the Thailand–Cambodia situation, Anwar expressed encouragement over the commitment of both countries’ leaders to pursue lasting peace.
“I am encouraged that my friends, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Prime Minister Hun Manet, remain committed to lasting peace.
“We must approach issues with clarity and conviction, head on where possible and discreetly where necessary, while always seeking to uphold a united front among Asean members and to collaborate where possible with like-minded dialogue partners,” he added.
