PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has credited the success of Malaysia’s role in brokering a ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia to the unwavering support of fellow ASEAN member states, calling it a testament to the bloc’s commitment to regional peace.
Speaking at the 58th ASEAN Day celebrations, Anwar stressed that Malaysia’s peace efforts would not have been effective without the "continuous support from fellow ASEAN leaders, Presidents, and Prime Ministers alike."
"I also wish to take this opportunity to express my appreciation to both the Thai and Cambodian leaders, their Cabinets and military chiefs. This shows that the trust involved goes beyond just foreign ministers or heads of government—military cooperation has also been exceptional,” he said.
He confirmed that Malaysia facilitated the ceasefire between the two neighbours, which came following a meeting on Thursday in Putrajaya between Cambodia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister, General Tea Seiha, and Thailand’s Acting Defence Minister, General Nattaphon Narkphanit.
The meeting yielded key agreements, including the continued role of Malaysia as mediator and monitor of the border situation, supported by the Malaysian Armed Forces chief, General Tan Sri Mohd Nizam Jaffar. Discussions also touched on deploying an ASEAN Observer Team (AOT) to aid humanitarian relief, border monitoring, and medical coordination.
“The conflict at the Thailand–Cambodia border serves as a reminder of how rapidly tensions can escalate if not resolved early,” said Anwar.
Global summit in October
Looking ahead, Anwar confirmed that the upcoming 47th ASEAN Summit, scheduled for October in Kuala Lumpur, will host major global leaders including US President Donald Trump, China’s President Xi Jinping, Brazil’s President Lula da Silva, and South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa, the current chairs of BRICS and G20, respectively.
Calling the gathering a “genuine convergence of global power centres,” Anwar said the summit presents ASEAN with an unprecedented opportunity to strengthen its global standing.
“We eagerly anticipate the arrival of ASEAN heads of government and our dialogue partners, including President Donald Trump and, I believe, President Xi Jinping,” Anwar told the audience in Cyberjaya.
“The world will be watching”
Describing their attendance as only “the first step,” the Prime Minister added: “The greater challenge will be ensuring these global leaders depart with confidence in ASEAN, and outcomes that offer long-lasting value.”
He urged ASEAN to use the moment to reflect on its founding goals. “I am certain the founders of ASEAN would be proud of how far we have come, but we must not assume that the motivations and concerns that led to the signing of the 1967 Bangkok Declaration are no longer relevant.”
On the economic front, Anwar reaffirmed the bloc’s commitment to cross-border trade and investment, regional energy networks, and connectivity infrastructure—highlighting these as top priorities under Malaysia’s ASEAN chairmanship.
He attributed recent progress to the foundation laid over decades of regional diplomacy. “The solutions we’ve reached are the result of longstanding values nurtured in this region—chiefly our collective commitment to peace and shared prosperity,” he said.
Anwar also extended his gratitude to Presidents Xi and Trump for supporting Malaysia’s mediation role, stating: “This reflects not only the confidence in Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship, but also ASEAN’s reputation as a region devoted to peace and prosperity.” - August 8, 2025
