Speeches, Statements & International Documents

46th ASEAN SUMMIT (PLENARY)

OPENING REMARKS BY THE PRIME MINISTER YAB DATO' SERI ANWAR BIN IBRAHIM

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[YAB PM to deliver opening remarks.]

 

Your Majesty,

ASEAN Heads of State and Government,

Excellencies,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

 

Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh, and a very good morning.

1.  It is my distinct honour and privilege to warmly welcome all of you to Kuala Lumpur for the 46th ASEAN Summit. Selamat Datang.

2.  Malaysia is honoured to chair ASEAN this year – a year of special significance. We mark a decade since the establishment of the ASEAN Community, inviting both reflection and renewal. At the same time, we will adopt a forward-looking 20-year Vision that necessitates our unwavering commitment and collective resolve.

3. These milestones offer a renewed sense of optimism and confidence for ASEAN, underscored by remarkable resilience against a backdrop of increasingly complex and sobering global developments. Indeed, a transition in the geopolitical order is underway and the global trading system is under further strain, with the recent imposition of U.S. unilateral tariffs. Protectionism is resurging as we bear witness to multilateralism breaking apart at the seams.

4.  Nevertheless, we are thankful for the spirit of centrality and the fraternity among ASEAN Member States in being able to come together to forge a common front in dealing with these challenges.

5.  Noteworthy is our expeditious response in dealing with the US tariffs with the establishment of the ASEAN Geo-economics Task Force as a necessary step, not just for coordination, but to demonstrate resolution and confidence.

6.   As for Myanmar, we have been able to take positive steps with the formation of the Informal Advisory Group for Malaysia as the ASEAN Chair for 2025. Headed by former Thai Prime Minister Dr. Thaksin Shinawatra, the group also met in Brunei Darussalam graced by the presence of His Majesty the Sultan. It is significant that since the third meeting held in Bangkok, we have been able to move the needle forward in our efforts for the eventual resolution of the Myanmar crisis. We are grateful that the next meeting will be hosted by former Prime Minister of Cambodia Samdech Hun Sen.

7.  I wish to stress that throughout this process, quiet engagement has mattered. The steps may be small and the bridge may be fragile but as they say, in matters of peace, even a fragile bridge is better than a widening gulf.

8.  For ASEAN, our peace, stability and prosperity have often depended on an open, inclusive, rules-based international order, anchored in the free flow of trade, capital and people. These foundations are now being dismantled under the force of arbitrary action.

9.  But again, I strongly believe in the fortitude and staying power of ASEAN to withstand the headwinds and weather the storms of the challenges and uncertainties facing us. It is with the sense of centrality and our conviction to forge our own future that will enable us to stay ahead of the curve.

10.  In this regard, we are able to convene the first ever ASEAN-GCC-China Summit which demonstrates our reservoir of goodwill empowering us to deepen and expand our partnerships, and to act with strategic clarity.

11.  I believe that this trilateral Summit manifests the successful reshaping of the matrix of partnership that speaks to today’s multipolar reality. It symbolises the power of cohesiveness of regional blocs which no doubt would have positive impact on the world at large.

12.  Above all, we must preserve the multilateral system and ensure that the ASEAN-GCC-China geo-economic model continues to play a meaningful role in forging a more inclusive and sustainable future, for our region and our people.

13.  It is in this spirit that Malaysia, as Chair this year, champions the theme of “Inclusivity and Sustainability.” It is a strategic and value-driven proposition.

14.  It speaks not only to our aspirations, but to our obligations. It is anchored in the conviction that ASEAN’s future must rest on the twin pillars of equitable, sustainable growth and enduring resilience.

15.  These principles must be embedded at the very heart of ASEAN’s agenda and vision. Malaysia appreciates the support of all in ensuring that our Chairmanship advances this shared vision.

Your Majesty, Excellencies,

16.  With that, I now have the honour to declare the 46th ASEAN Summit officially open.

[YAB Prime Minister to strike the gavel]

17.  Before we begin, may I now request the media to leave the room.

Terima Kasih. Thank you.