PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said today that ASEAN's centrality is not a permanent entitlement but a privilege that must be consistently earned by all member states.
“In the face of evolving geopolitical landscapes and varying national interests,” he stressed that ASEAN must remain vigilant in safeguarding its unity and strategic relevance.
“While there are frequent calls for ASEAN to strengthen and reinforce its centrality, we must remember that centrality is not a right, but a privilege that we must continually work to earn and re-earn," Bernama reported Anwar saying.
"In an era marked by shifting global dynamics, it is crucial that we uphold this privilege with responsibility and foresight."
The Prime Minister, who also holds the position of Finance Minister, cautioned that ASEAN’s ability to maintain its centrality is significantly diminished when internal divisions and conflicting priorities prevent the organization from presenting a unified front.
"When we let internal differences and priorities divide us, ASEAN's centrality counts for little," he said.
Bernama reported that Anwar also highlighted the fortunate position of ASEAN, noting that the region is not only one of the most peaceful globally but also boasts the fastest-growing economy.
“We are very fortunate because we are situated in a region that is the most peaceful and the fastest growing in the world," he stated.
"In this age of global rivalry and division, ASEAN must emerge as a beacon of hope, promoting a sustainable, harmonious, and economically dynamic region."
He underscored Malaysia’s approach to prosperity, emphasizing sustainability and equitable economic development as the foundational principles guiding the nation's engagement in regional cooperation.
"We must commit to ensuring that no nation within ASEAN is left behind in the pursuit of economic growth," Anwar affirmed.
"ASEAN’s strength lies in its ability to unite, engage in dialogue, and act as a cohesive economic bloc, leveraging its collective potential to navigate future challenges."
As the Chair of ASEAN for 2025, Malaysia is poised to play a pivotal role in fostering deeper integration within the region.
Earlier today, Anwar participated in a breakfast meeting with Vietnam’s Prime Minister, Pham Minh Chinh, in Hanoi, marking the beginning of his official visit.
The meeting, attended by delegations from both nations, also marked Anwar’s first working visit to Vietnam since Malaysia assumed the ASEAN Chairmanship for 2025.
Following his arrival in Hanoi last night, Anwar made courtesy calls on To Lam, the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, and José Ramos-Horta, the President of Timor-Leste.
The Prime Minister is also scheduled to deliver a keynote speech at the Second ASEAN Future Forum today.
The forum, themed "Building a United, Inclusive, and Resilient ASEAN Amidst Global Transformation," is organised by Vietnam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. - February 26, 2025
