MALAYSIA has urged ASEAN to speak with moral clarity and principled conviction in response to worsening global and regional humanitarian crises, warning that continued silence risks rendering the regional bloc irrelevant on the world stage.
“ASEAN can no longer remain silent,” read a statement issued alongside the 46th ASEAN Summit, which opened in Kuala Lumpur with leaders from across Southeast Asia in attendance.
The statement called for the regional grouping to move beyond “diplomatic platitudes” and instead adopt a firm stance on pressing issues such as the war in Gaza and the ongoing conflict in Myanmar.
The statement described the crisis in Gaza as “a stark symbol of the international community’s failure to uphold global law and moral conscience,” and accused the Israeli government of imposing a blockade that has caused starvation and death among Palestinian civilians.
“The oppression by the Zionist regime against the Palestinian people—including a total blockade resulting in starvation and death—cannot be justified,” the statement read. “ASEAN, as a regional grouping that professes to uphold peace and justice, must not stay quiet.”
Foreign Minister, Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, has previously denounced the attacks as “a violation of international law”.
Turning to Myanmar, the statement stressed that ASEAN’s proposed ceasefire efforts must be expanded and extended to ensure wider protection of civilians. “Humanitarian aid must be delivered without obstruction. This is about saving lives—not simply fulfilling diplomatic protocol.”
In his keynote remarks at the summit’s opening, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim reiterated that the theme of Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship—“Inclusivity and Sustainability”—must form the core of the bloc’s long-term agenda.
“It is anchored in the conviction that ASEAN’s future must rest on the twin pillars of equitable, sustainable growth and enduring resilience,” Anwar said. “The theme is not only aspirational—it is an obligation.”
He also expressed appreciation to his fellow ASEAN leaders for supporting the advancement of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, which was formally launched during the summit.
Among the leaders in attendance were Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei, President Prabowo Subianto of Indonesia, Prime Minister Hun Manet of Cambodia, Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone of Laos, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh of Vietnam, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. of the Philippines, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong of Singapore, and Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra of Thailand. Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao of Timor Leste was also present as an observer, along with ASEAN Secretary-General Dr Kao Kim Hourn.
Two major engagements are scheduled in parallel with the summit: the 2nd ASEAN-GCC Summit and the inaugural ASEAN-GCC-China Summit, both taking place on 27 May. These are expected to enhance cooperation between ASEAN, Gulf nations, and China in areas such as trade, infrastructure, and sustainable development.
With the participation of key figures including Chinese Premier Li Qiang and senior leaders from the Gulf region, Malaysia views the summit as a rare opportunity for ASEAN to lead on the global stage.
“Malaysia is not asking ASEAN to interfere with the sovereignty of its member states or act as the world’s police,” the statement concluded.
“What is required is the moral courage to speak the truth and act in the name of humanity. If ASEAN is to remain relevant to its people and the world, now is the time to rise—not remain silent.” - May 26, 2025
