MALAYSIA’S Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, has reminded ASEAN member states to uphold moral principles and humanitarian values in all policies and decisions, stressing that these ideals form the foundation of the region’s unity and credibility.
He said these same principles guided Malaysia’s support for Timor-Leste’s full membership in ASEAN.
“Malaysia builds relations with its neighbours not because of their wealth, but because of the vision and values we share,” Anwar said.
“That is why, when Malaysia assumed the ASEAN Chairmanship, I made it our goal to ensure Timor-Leste was accepted as a full member before handing over the chairmanship to the next country.”
Anwar was speaking at a ceremony hosted by President José Ramos-Horta to celebrate Timor-Leste’s formal entry into ASEAN.
The Prime Minister lauded Ramos-Horta’s perseverance and his nation’s long struggle for regional recognition, adding: “What the world needs today is moral clarity and the voice of conscience. The President of this country embodies those values.”
He further emphasised that such principles should continue to guide ASEAN’s approach to global humanitarian issues, including Malaysia’s steadfast support for the rights of the Palestinian people and other international humanitarian causes.
Under Malaysia’s chairmanship of the 47th ASEAN Summit, the nation has played a leading role in promoting inclusivity, sustainability and regional peace.
“Over the three-day summit, leaders achieved several significant outcomes, including the official admission of Timor-Leste as ASEAN’s 11th Member State,” Anwar said in a Facebook post. “There were also tangible achievements in strengthening economic integration, expanding strategic cooperation and enhancing regional resilience to global challenges.”
Anwar also expressed gratitude to local and international media representatives for their comprehensive and high-quality coverage throughout the summit.
“You are the vital bridge between policy and the people, between the ASEAN spirit and the wider world,” he said.
Following the conclusion of the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in Kuala Lumpur, regional leaders and their delegations departed Malaysia. Those who left included Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, Vietnam Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., who will chair ASEAN in 2026.
Malaysia’s 2025 ASEAN Chairmanship, themed “Inclusivity and Sustainability”, marked two historic milestones: the admission of Timor-Leste as ASEAN’s 11th member and the signing of the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accord between Cambodia and Thailand.
This is Malaysia’s fifth time chairing ASEAN since its establishment in 1967, having previously held the position in 1977, 1997, 2005 and 2015. - October 29, 2025
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