MALAYSIA must remain a peaceful and stable nation to ensure it continues to be respected and trusted by the international community, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has said, stressing that internal divisions would weaken the country’s global standing.
He said Malaysia’s ability to successfully host world-class events such as the ASEAN Summit was the result of close cooperation among all parties, regardless of ministry, department, ethnicity or background.
“First, the country must be peaceful and stable. People will not engage with or respect us if we are constantly clashing over divisions, whether along party, racial or state lines. Leaders must feel and shoulder this responsibility seriously,” he said.
Anwar was speaking at the ASEAN–Malaysia 2025 Chairmanship Appreciation Ceremony at the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang (MAEPS) on Wednesday.
He expressed appreciation to task force members, volunteers and government and private agencies, including security forces, immigration and customs officials, for ensuring that the ASEAN Summit 2025 was carried out smoothly without any untoward incidents.
According to the Prime Minister, the spirit of unity and national consensus enabled Malaysia to host prominent global leaders, including United States President Donald Trump, Chinese President Xi Jinping, leaders from across Asia, the Gulf Cooperation Council, Africa and Latin America, leaving a strong impression of Malaysia’s efficiency and hospitality as host.
Anwar said international recognition should not be merely symbolic but must be translated into clear policies, clean governance and continuous efforts to strengthen the economy, national unity and the welfare of the people.
“We want them to see not only a warm welcome and a clean country, but also how we manage the economy, strengthen unity and master new technologies. This is the foundation for elevating Malaysia’s standing and returning benefits to the people,” he said.
He reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to working with major and developed nations while continuing to give attention and respect to neighbouring countries that require support, including efforts to secure Timor-Leste’s admission as a full member of ASEAN.
Anwar added that the experience of leading ASEAN’s chairmanship should serve as a lesson for Malaysia to work harder and act more responsibly, noting that true success lies in the country’s ability to ensure sustained stability, economic progress and the well-being of its people.
Malaysia hosted the ASEAN Summit 2025 in the capital last year.
Separately, Anwar on Wednesday received a courtesy call from former Qatari Deputy Prime Minister and former Foreign Minister Khalid Mohamad Al Attiyah.
The meeting was disclosed by Anwar in a Facebook post.
“We exchanged views on current issues and the potential for strategic cooperation and investment collaboration that can be strengthened for the mutual benefit of both countries,” the Prime Minister said.
He said the meeting reflected the continued commitment of both sides to strengthening Malaysia–Qatar bilateral relations.
Qatar is among Malaysia’s key trading partners, with bilateral trade valued at RM4.3 billion in 2023, rising to RM6.3 billion in 2024. Trade between the two countries includes electronics, machinery, manufactured products and the energy sector. - January 19, 2026
