MALAYSIA has set a high benchmark in its 2025 ASEAN Chairmanship, earning praise and commendation from all member states, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said today.
“This could not have been achieved without collective action at every level within ASEAN. We worked across ministries and agencies, with everyone showing respect for what we have accomplished,” he said in his speech at the 2025 National World Town Planning Day Celebration, National Planning Congress, and MyCity Expo 2025.
Fadillah noted that Malaysia’s performance has become a reference point for ASEAN countries, including next year’s chair, the Philippines, which has acknowledged that Malaysia’s level of achievement will be difficult to match.
Malaysia’s successes include strengthening regional relations through various memoranda of understanding and commitments, brokering a peace accord between Cambodia and Thailand, and overseeing Timor-Leste’s admission as ASEAN’s 11th member at the 47th ASEAN Summit.
He emphasised that these accomplishments must complement national efforts to advance balanced urban and rural development.
“We must commit to transforming our country and our cities, whether big or small, to address the challenges of urban migration and achieve balanced development. We also want our rural areas to be liveable and competitive towns,” he said.
Fadillah further stressed the importance of balancing social and economic development with environmental sustainability to safeguard the well-being of communities nationwide. He also called for greater recognition of urban planners and city managers, describing them as “not merely policy contributors but agents of change who shape the future landscape of Malaysia’s cities.”
Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming and Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa were also present at the event.
The three-day 47th ASEAN Summit and related meetings, held under Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship theme of “Inclusivity and Sustainability”, concluded today. - October 28, 2025
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