PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has reaffirmed that sustainable peace in Myanmar must come from within, not through external pressure, as he opened the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur today.
In his opening address of the 47th ASEAN Summit, Malaysia’s Prime Minister said: “Together with other member states, we are working to foster conditions conducive to peace in Myanmar,” said
“We recognise this requires patience, perseverance and an honest appreciation of realities on the ground. However, lasting peace cannot be forced. It must be owned and led by Myanmar itself, and only in that way can peace endure.”
Anwar, who also chairs ASEAN, said the bloc, guided by the Five-Point Consensus (5PC), continues to engage all available partners to reduce violence and ease the humanitarian crisis in the country.
Malaysia, Anwar said, assumed the ASEAN chairmanship with full awareness of the “immense responsibility” of renewing the bloc’s direction and purpose amid a shifting global order.
“When Malaysia took on the ASEAN chairmanship, we were mindful that leadership is not a routine exercise but a choice – to set priorities, renew ASEAN’s purpose, and chart a path that matches our people’s aspirations,” he said.
He noted that 2025 would test ASEAN’s resolve as geopolitical rivalry intensifies, requiring greater commitment to cooperation and dialogue. “Despite these challenges, ASEAN stands firm. Our strength lies not in uniformity but in the conviction that respect and reason continue to unite us.”
Anwar highlighted the peace agreement signed earlier in the day between Thailand and Cambodia in Kuala Lumpur, witnessed by himself and US President Donald Trump, as a “courageous act” and proof of ASEAN’s success in advancing peaceful diplomacy.
“This morning, as Cambodia and Thailand signed the peace agreement in Kuala Lumpur, the world witnessed what confidence and cooperation can achieve,” he said. “It reminds us that peace is not a sign of weakness, but an act of courage – one that can reshape a nation’s future. My gratitude goes to the Prime Ministers of Thailand and Cambodia.”
He stressed that peace and reconciliation cannot be imposed but must emerge from the courage and willingness of the parties involved. “It is a reminder that choosing peace can transform not only nations but the region as a whole.”
The summit also celebrated a milestone in regional unity as Timor-Leste was officially admitted as ASEAN’s 11th member following the signing of the Declaration of Accession by all ten leaders.
“The inclusion of Timor-Leste gives new meaning to our vision,” Anwar said. “Within this community, its development and strategic autonomy will receive strong and sustained support.”
On economic cooperation, Anwar announced the upgraded ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA), to be signed during the summit, aimed at creating a more seamless and competitive regional market.
“The relative peace and prosperity ASEAN has enjoyed for nearly six decades cannot be self-sustaining,” he said. “It must be renewed through cooperation and strengthened by shared purpose. That is why ASEAN continues to deepen economic integration, expand trade and enhance competitiveness.”
He said ASEAN is also strengthening clean energy cooperation through the ASEAN Power Grid, developing the ASEAN Blue Economy Framework, and advancing a regional electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem to drive green growth.
Welcoming Brazil and South Africa as guests at the 20th East Asia Summit, Anwar said their participation signalled ASEAN’s growing engagement with BRICS and G20 economies.
“The future of ASEAN is shaped by what we do today,” he concluded. “Our mission is to ensure that ASEAN remains united, relevant and resilient in facing an increasingly complex world.” - October 26, 2025
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