ASEAN Remains Peaceful Region Despite Political Changes In Thailand, Indonesia - PM Anwar

PUTRAJAYA, Sept 10 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today assured that the recent political transitions in Thailand and Indonesia will not disrupt regional stability or investor confidence, describing ASEAN as relatively the most peaceful region.

“As far as we know, things are quite settled in Thailand with their new Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and we wish them well. Stability is most important.

“ In the same manner, I was on a call with Indonesian President Prabowo for some time yesterday, and he mentioned that things are almost back to normal. I think it is quite stable, and we have not seen any negative reactions from investors,” he told reporters when met at the International Conference on Social Sciences and Humanities (ICOSH) here.

Anwar also noted that Malaysia, as ASEAN Chair, hopes that investors will continue to place their confidence in the region.

Regarding the role of former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra as his informal adviser on ASEAN affairs, Anwar said discussions on that matter will be further discussed with Anutin soon.

“There is no need to take any immediate decisions...Thaksin’s role is certainly limited now because he is not free to give his views and cooperation,” he said.

Anwar’s remarks come as markets observe closely the leadership transitions in both countries, with Anutin recently appointed as Thailand’s Prime Minister and Indonesia naming Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa as its new Finance Minister, replacing Sri Mulyani Indrawati.

To recap, Anwar, in December 2024, appointed former Thaksin as his informal adviser on ASEAN affairs in conjunction with Malaysia’s tenure as the bloc’s chair.

Meanwhile, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), through the Faculty of Social Science and Humanities (FSSK), today organised the 9th ICOSH with the theme ‘Human Relationship in the Era of Artificial Intelligence and Technology’, focusing on various social work, psychology, linguistics, literature, communication, security, culture, politics, religion, digital studies, economics, and more.

Present today were the Minister of Higher Education Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir, UKM Board of Directors chairman Prof Emeritus Datuk Dr Mohamad Abd Razak, Director General of Higher Education Datuk Prof Dr Azlinda Azman, and FSSK Dean Prof Dr Kadaruddin Aiyub.

-- BERNAMA