Let ASEAN Summit Success Be Shared Pride For All Malaysians, Says PM Anwar

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 30 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has emphasised that Malaysia’s success in hosting the 47th ASEAN Summit should be a source of pride for all Malaysians, regardless of political affiliation, and not a subject of criticism or division.

He said among the significant achievements during the summit were the admission of Timor-Leste as ASEAN’s 11th member and the signing of the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accord between Thailand and Cambodia, both milestones that should unite Malaysians in shared pride.

Anwar noted that international recognition, including from major powers such as the United States, of Malaysia’s active role in promoting regional peace clearly demonstrated the growing confidence in the country’s diplomatic capability.

“Today, Malaysia’s name shines on the world stage... something that has rarely happened in our history. Let us seize this moment to strengthen our nation.

“Do not be resentful of our nation’s success; this is the country’s achievement. Prime ministers may come and go, rise and fall, but the nation must always be uplifted,” he said during ministers' question time in the Dewan Rakyat today.

He was responding to a supplementary question from Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman (MUDA–Muar) on Malaysia’s efforts to balance its diplomatic and trade relations with major global powers.

The prime minister said Malaysia’s success was also reflected in its ability to bring together world leaders and major powers, including the United States, Russia and China, as well as representatives from the BRICS bloc, for a series of bilateral meetings throughout the 47th ASEAN Summit.

This achievement demonstrated Malaysia’s capacity to maintain balanced international relations grounded in neutrality and moderation, he said. 

“Imagine, within just a few days, we engaged with the United States, then Brazil, Africa, China and Russia, and all discussions were handled constructively.

“As a relatively small but developing nation, we must continue strengthening trade and investment ties with everyone,” he added. 

Anwar also said that Malaysia’s growing global recognition should not be viewed as a personal success for the Prime Minister, but rather as the result of the collective efforts of tens of thousands of civil servants and volunteers who ensured the smooth organisation of the high-profile summit.

At the same time, Anwar extended his appreciation to all civil servants, uniformed personnel, students, and private sector participants for their outstanding contributions to the success of the 47th ASEAN Summit.

-- BERNAMA