SHAH ALAM, Jan 19 — Malaysia’s successful ASEAN chairmanship and positive economic performance last year have earned praise from His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia.
In his royal address at the First Meeting of the Fifth Session of the 15th Parliament, the Ruler took particular note of the nation’s annual economic growth and low unemployment and inflation rates.
“Congratulations on Malaysia’s success in becoming ASEAN chairman last year and for hosting the 47th Asean Summit in Kuala Lumpur.
“I would also like to congratulate (the government), as despite global challenges, Malaysia achieved positive economic growth of 4.7 percent last year.
“Unemployment and inflation rates also remained low, while the national poverty rate remained at 0.09 percent," he said in Dewan Rakyat today.
Malaysia officially assumed the ASEAN Chairmanship last year, placing the country at the forefront of steering regional discussions on key issues including economic recovery, sustainable development, digital transformation and geopolitical stability.
The country hosted the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits from October 26-28, 2025, at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre with the theme "Inclusivity and Sustainability”.
The summit drew global leaders including Chinese Premier Li Qiang, United States President Donald Trump, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung.
Meanwhile, Malaysia’s economic performance last year was commended by various parties, including the World Bank, which noted that the nation had shown positive, resilient growth despite global headwinds.
In his address, Sultan Ibrahim also outlined priorities for the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), urging the government to place strong emphasis on the people’s wellbeing.
"The 13MP should focus on people's wellbeing, strengthening the education system, improving healthcare services and enhancing public transportation infrastructure," he said.
The 13MP, themed Melakar Semula Pembangunan, was tabled by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on July 31 last year, aimed at redesigning the nation’s trajectory through technological leadership, inclusive growth, and public sector reform.
