Anwar positions Malaysia as ASEAN bridge-builder

PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has declared that Malaysia will continue to play a leading role in reinforcing ASEAN solidarity and addressing regional inequalities, following the conclusion of the 48th ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings in Cebu, the Philippines.

Fresh from the regional summit, Anwar arrived in Kota Kinabalu late on Friday night to begin a working visit to Sabah centred on community engagement and development initiatives in Pulau Banggi, Malaysia’s largest island.

In remarks shared on Facebook after the summit, the Prime Minister said Malaysia had actively contributed to advancing ASEAN cooperation, particularly in efforts to close development gaps across the region while promoting principles aligned with international norms and laws.

"Walhasil (results), Malaysia will continue to play its role in strengthening ties among ASEAN nations, especially in confronting the global energy supply crisis that is affecting everyone," Anwar said.

He added that discussions at the summit focused not only on regional diplomacy but also on expanding trade networks, stimulating investment, strengthening digital connectivity and enhancing food security across Southeast Asia.

Anwar led the Malaysian delegation to the summit, which took place from 7 to 8 May in Cebu. Accompanying him were his wife, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, and Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani.

The Prime Minister and his delegation landed at Kota Kinabalu International Airport at 11.12pm aboard a special aircraft and were welcomed by Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunasalam and Sabah Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Dr Mohd Arifin Mohd Arif.

During his Sabah visit, Anwar is scheduled to travel to Kudat and Pulau Banggi, where he will visit Pos Dogotan and Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Banggi as part of the federal government’s continued emphasis on improving development and public services in rural and remote communities.

The visit also revives a longstanding connection between Anwar and the island. On 10 November 1994, while serving as Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, he officiated the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the new SMK Banggi building.

Anwar is also expected to attend a community engagement session with residents on Pulau Banggi before returning to Kuala Lumpur.

Located off Sabah’s northern coast, Pulau Banggi is accessible via a 70-kilometre ferry journey from the Kudat Ferry Terminal and spans approximately 440 square kilometres, making it the largest island in Malaysia.

The Philippines assumed the ASEAN chairmanship from Malaysia on 1 January under the theme “Navigating Our Future, Together”, built around three strategic pillars: Peace and Security, Prosperity Corridors, and People Empowerment. - May 9, 2026