ANWAR EXPRESSES PRIDE IN MALAYSIA'S STEADY LEADERSHIP AS ASEAN CHAIRMANSHIP DRAWS TO A CLOSE

By R. Thivyamalini

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 28 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today expressed pride in Malaysia’s Chairmanship of ASEAN, saying that as the term draws to a close, the year 2025 has indeed demonstrated Malaysia’s commitment to unity, patience and steady leadership.

In his remarks at the closing ceremony of the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre here, Anwar said ASEAN’s success will not be only measured in documents signed, but by the discipline to act with patience, to build quietly and to hold its centre while others shift.

“We also take quiet satisfaction in seeing conversations unfold among partners and powers beyond these walls. We revived dialogues, built new bridges, and proved that ASEAN’s machinery, when guided by patience and reason, still works,” he said.

The ceremony commenced with the playing of the ASEAN Anthem, followed by a five-minute video presentation highlighting Malaysia’s accomplishments and initiatives as ASEAN Chair for 2025.

Anwar also acknowledged that while not all crises can be resolved within one chairmanship or even one generation, progress comes through persistence.

“Some crises will persist; some lives remain shadowed by fear and want. Yet history seldom leaps. It bends, slowly, through the will, labour and sheer stubbornness of those who refuse despair. What matters is that each act of courage, each small step, helps to arc our region closer to hope and justice,” he said.

Expressing confidence in the Philippines as the next chair, Anwar said ASEAN would continue to act with clarity, composure and that warmth and poise for which the Filipino people are known.

Malaysia symbolically handed over the ASEAN Chairmanship to the Philippines today, marking the ceremonial transition of leadership as Malaysia enters the final phase of its 2025 Chairmanship.

Anwar also expressed appreciation to all ASEAN member states, dialogue partners and the ASEAN Secretariat for their cooperation throughout Malaysia’s chairmanship.

“Without their steadfast support, purpose would have spoken loudly but achieved little,” he noted.

He also extended his gratitude to each Malaysian for their patience and generosity throughout the year, adding that they welcomed every guest with warmth, adapted to every disruption and reminded the region that hospitality is not just a Malaysian custom but rooted in our character.

“In your hands, duty became service and service became love of country. In the eyes of the world, you have shown the best of Malaysia. With that, I declare the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits closed,” Anwar said.

Since taking over from Laos, Malaysia has focused on advancing ASEAN’s unity, inclusivity and sustainability throughout its chairmanship year.

Two landmark achievements have defined Malaysia’s Chairmanship so far, namely the admission of Timor-Leste as ASEAN’s 11th member state and the signing of the KL Peace Accord between Cambodia and Thailand.

This is the fifth time Malaysia has assumed the ASEAN Chair since the bloc’s inception in 1967, with previous chairmanships in 1977, 1997, 2005, and 2015.

-- BERNAMA