By Danial Dzulkifly
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 23 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said Asean's transition from a position of neutrality towards one of "centrality" and "constructive engagement" has enabled the bloc to better address conflicts and navigate rising global tensions.
Speaking in the Dewan Rakyat, Anwar said Malaysia’s recent initiative in engaging directly with Myanmar’s leaders to address the nation’s ongoing conflict, with Asean’s consent, is a reflection of this shift.
“Non-interference does not mean we cannot engage or negotiate. Previously, Asean’s approach was too neutral, as though we could not take sides at all.
“But centrality means maintaining engagement and cooperation while still working together to find solutions,” he said during the Minister’s Question Time in Parliament here today.
He was responding to a supplementary question from Gombak MP Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari on the need for a new shift within Asean's diplomatic framework.
Anwar said his discussions with Myanmar’s military leadership, alongside Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, marked the first time such talks were held with regional consensus.
This has led to the recent extended ceasefire in Myanmar that allowed humanitarian aid to be delivered without restrictions.
“Although not a full resolution, it represents major progress,” he said.
The prime minister added that the government’s strategy of balanced diplomacy had also enabled Malaysia to host both the United States and China amid heightened trade tensions.
Anwar said Malaysia and Asean's growing diplomatic credibility reflects the success of this balanced approach, as seen in the diverse lineup of world leaders attending the upcoming Asean Summit to be held from October 26 to 28 in Kuala Lumpur.
The summit will draw, among others, Chinese Premier Li Qiang, US President Donald Trump, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung, New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Ovarchuk, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, European Union President António Costa, and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.
International Labour Organisation Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo and Fifa President Gianni Infantino will also attend.
