THE numerous international trips by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim were because he was invited to attend such events and did not go on his own accord, said former PKR Senator, Mohd Yusmadi Yusoff.
“In fact, Anwar was just not invited, but also on many occasions, he was asked to deliver keynote addresses.
“When it comes to global events, one cannot just simply go. An invitation must be extended. It is also diplomacy and mutual respect," said Yusmadi.
Yusmadi, who used to chair the PKR International Bureau, stressed that Anwar is recognised today as a global leader, whose opinion matters.
"This is an element which Malaysians can leverage on. We are a small trading nation. We need everyone and Anwar has proven he can hold a dialogue with all world leaders."
Hence, he was invited to numerous destinations, from Moscow to London to New York and the Middle East, including China, said Yusmadi.
"Anwar is also confident to engage the world with a telling message that dialogues are a platform to address the pulsating geo - politics emerging from the post pandemic era."
Yusmadi said that the regional grouping of ASEAN, which Malaysia now chairs, can become the new centre of gravity for global dialogues.
"When ASEAN becomes inherently attractive, we need leaders such as Anwar to explore the competitive advantage this region has globally."
He said that the new ASEAN, which Anwar's generation of leaders wants to build revolves around mutual benefit and changes.
That is why Anwar is talking about cybersecurity, supply chain, new tech and growing the intra trade levels among ASEAN neighbours, said Yusmadi.
Anwar's leadership of ASEAN is also a bonus because he enjoys personal diplomatic ties with majority of the leaders in the region; Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto visited Anwar when the former was a Defence Minister and Anwar was not holding any formal government post.
Anwar in conclusion can and will eventually help make ASEAN realise its potential as a great voice globally and more importantly, as a humane voice in a world besieged by disruptors, added Yusmadi. - February 8, 2025.
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