SHAH ALAM, Oct 27 — The opening day of the 47th Asean Summit yesterday highlighted Malaysia’s growing role as a diplomatic bridge-builder and credible middle power in promoting peace and regional unity.
This is reflected in the country’s pivotal role in brokering the Thailand-Cambodia peace deal, the formal accession of Timor-Leste into Asean under its chairmanship, and the attendance of top global leaders, including United States (US) President Donald Trump, who praised Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s efforts in facilitating the ceasefire.
For geostrategist Prof Azmi Hassan, Malaysia’s success in drawing key world leaders to the summit, in particular, underscores its persuasive diplomatic leadership and respected standing as Asean chair.
“It was a very good day for Malaysia in terms of international diplomacy, reflecting the country’s growing influence within Asean,” the Nusantara Academy of Strategic Research senior fellow told Media Selangor.
Besides Trump and leaders of Asean member states, others who were present at the summit yesterday included Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, South African President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa, and Japan’s newly appointed Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang arrived in Malaysia later yesterday evening.
Azmi added that Malaysia’s ability to bring together rival neighbours Thailand and Cambodia to sign a peace agreement, dubbed the Kuala Lumpur Accord, has also surprised the international community with its swift resolution.
This has strengthened Malaysia’s image as a capable mediator and credible middle power, and demonstrated its rising influence in peace-building efforts.
“This achievement can enhance Malaysia’s image globally… not only as a powerhouse within Asean, but also in bridging the Global South and Global North.
“For a small nation like Malaysia to successfully bring together two conflicting members to agree on an immediate ceasefire speaks volumes about its growing stature on the international stage,” he said.
A brief exchange of gunfire erupted on May 28 between Thai and Cambodian troops in the disputed ‘Emerald Triangle’ near Preah Vihear Temple (Cambodia) and Ubon Ratchathani (Thailand), resulting in the death of one Cambodian soldier.
The incident marked a significant escalation in the 817-kilometre undemarcated border, straining bilateral ties, triggering cross-border trade disruptions, and leading to travel and import restrictions along key border points between the two countries.
Mixed reactions at home
Azmi noted that the first day of the summit also revealed a greater willingness among Asean member states to take common positions on previously divisive issues, including the South China Sea dispute.
“The Asean unity, especially in addressing conflicts among its members, setting aside the Myanmar issue, demonstrates that the bloc can and is willing to take a common stand, which was very rare in the past.
“Amid shifting geopolitical dynamics, Asean has taken a stand of neutrality, not siding with any major power, including China,” he said.
This growing diplomatic strength demonstrates the bloc’s determination to remain relevant, independent, and cohesive amid rising global tensions.
However, despite praise from international observers about Malaysia’s diplomatic influence, the analyst noted a stark contrast between how the country’s achievements are recognised abroad and how they are perceived locally.
“The international community sees Malaysia as a bulwark of the Asean chairmanship, especially in resolving the Thailand–Cambodia issue.
“But domestically, the audience does not see this as something to be appreciated or celebrated. There is a contradicting view between international and domestic audiences,” Azmi said.
The contrast was evident on the ground, with many Malaysians expressing discontent over Trump’s presence in Kuala Lumpur, staging demonstrations yesterday and in the days leading up to the summit to protest the US President’s visit.
Malaysia is hosting the 47th Asean Summit and Related Summits from October 26 to October 28 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.
