Anwar arrives in Cebu for ASEAN Summit as Malaysia pushes regional energy security agenda

PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim arrived in Cebu on Wednesday to attend the 48th ASEAN Summit and related high-level meetings, as Malaysia intensified calls for stronger regional economic resilience and long-term energy security amid growing global geopolitical tensions.

The special aircraft carrying the Prime Minister landed at Mactan-Benito Ebuen Air Base at approximately 1.50pm local time.

Anwar was received by Philippine Cabinet Secretary and Minister-in-Attendance Sharin S. Garin, Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro and Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Cynthia King Chan.

Malaysia’s Ambassador to the Philippines, Datuk Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino Anthony, was also present to welcome the Prime Minister upon arrival.

The summit, which continues until Thursday, brings together ASEAN leaders and senior ministers at a time of heightened concern over global trade disruptions, geopolitical instability and increasing pressure on international supply chains.

In addition to participating in the 48th ASEAN Summit, Anwar is scheduled to attend the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) Summit later today.

He is also expected to hold several bilateral meetings with ASEAN leaders throughout his visit to Cebu.

Malaysia said its participation at the summit reflects the country’s continued commitment to strengthening ASEAN centrality, regional unity and economic resilience in an increasingly volatile global environment.

As regional leaders convene in Cebu, Malaysia has also urged ASEAN to accelerate the development of a more practical framework to strengthen energy preparedness and economic security across the region.

Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani said ASEAN should seriously consider establishing a regional oil stockpiling mechanism to improve long-term energy security and safeguard member states against future supply disruptions.

The matter was discussed during his meeting with Singapore Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong on the sidelines of the 27th ASEAN Economic Community Council (AECC) Meeting.

“Among the key matters discussed was the need for ASEAN to develop a practical framework for oil stockpiling efforts to enhance long-term energy security and preparedness across the region,” Johari said in a statement.

He said ASEAN member states must adopt a more proactive and pragmatic approach in strengthening regional economic resilience as the world faces escalating geopolitical uncertainty and mounting pressure on global energy supplies.

Johari added that Malaysia and Singapore continued to share close and strategic economic ties, making stronger regional cooperation increasingly vital to ensuring ASEAN remains stable, competitive and economically resilient.

The 27th AECC Meeting is being held in conjunction with the 48th ASEAN Summit and gathers ASEAN economic ministers and leaders to discuss current economic challenges and the region’s future strategic direction. - May 7, 2026