MALAYSIA has taken on the responsibility of the ASEAN chairmanship for 2025 at a time of global unease and uncertainty, but the region has chosen to remain anchored to the principles of togetherness, dialogue and mutual respect, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said.
Anwar, who is serving as ASEAN Chair for 2025, said the 46th and 47th ASEAN Summits provided a vital platform for member states to align their views and bridge differences in addressing a range of regional and global challenges.
“This year also marked a historic moment with Timor-Leste being accepted as ASEAN’s newest family member,” he said.
The prime minister made the remarks in a Facebook post on Monday night, which was accompanied by a video highlighting key moments throughout the ASEAN-Malaysia 2025 chairmanship under the theme “Inclusivity and Sustainability”.
Anwar also expressed his deepest appreciation to ASEAN partners and global leaders who attended the summits, praising their wisdom and sincerity in working towards stability and a shared future for the region.
He further conveyed his gratitude to the Malaysian people for their support and warm hospitality extended to visiting delegates throughout the chairmanship period.
“This chairmanship has positioned Malaysia as a trusted partner in efforts to preserve peace, stability and hope in the region. May it endure, God willing,” he said.
Malaysia’s role as ASEAN Chair in 2025 marks the fifth time the country has held the position since the bloc’s establishment in 1967, following previous chairmanships in 1977, 1997, 2005 and 2015.
The Philippines is set to take over the ASEAN chairmanship from Malaysia in 2026. - December 30, 2025
