SERDANG – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was among members of the national administration who gathered at the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang (MAEPS) to acknowledge and honour the contributions of civil servants, security forces, volunteers and those from the private sector were instrumental in ensuring Malaysia’s successful term as Chair of ASEAN 2025.
The Prime Minister also thanked scores of thousands who with commitment and discipline brought glory to Malaysia as a whole. He added that it is established as a host of world leaders and high-level meetings with efficiency, integrity, and professionalism.
Anwar observed that foreign delegates left with a fresh appreciation of Malaysia’s organisational capabilities, warmth and decorum. He said they were qualities that enhanced the credit of the country in regional and global issues.
The year 2025, when Malaysia had the chair of ASEAN, bore witness to a number of firsts. That included the adoption of the long-term vision document, ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future, which outlines where and how the bloc needs to work toward greater resilience, inclusivity and sustainability over, at least the next two decades.
The Kuala Lumpur Peace Accord between Cambodia and Thailand signed in October 2025 was also another culmination of success, which had contributed to calming Thai-Cambodian tensions along their shared border. Timor-Leste also joined the ASEAN community as its 11th full member, broadening the scope and diversity of the organisation.
But amid the fanfare of these successes, Anwar also warned all not to rest on their achievements. He made a point on the necessity of political stability, good governance, leadership integrity and clear direction for international confidence to turn into real gains for Malaysians.
“Malaysia opts for leading ASEAN with values, and opposes the arrogance of power by forging a regional future rooted in responsibility, trust and humanity, grounded on inclusivity and sustainability,” he said.
Observers have noted that Malaysia’s chairmanship was tested during a difficult time when the region and the world are facing geopolitical instability as well as economic strains, putting its unity to the test. Despite these challenges, Malaysia’s leadership reasserted the continued relevance of the bloc and its ability to confront change with confidence.
The ceremony, held at MAEPS, not only was a show of recognition for everyone involved in ASEAN 2025 but also to remind us of the need to carry forward the momentum. Anwar also stressed that Malaysia’s success should prompt greater achievements domestically, especially economic growth, education and technical development.
The Prime Minister’s words painted a larger picture of governance based on the principles of inclusivity and sustainability, in line with the priorities set by the MADANI government. The ASEAN 2025 Chairmanship is proof, he said, that Malaysia could lead responsibly and promote cooperation and trust in the region.
