DATUK Seri Anwar Ibrahim's name is held in high regard globally, having recently brought Thailand and Cambodia to the negotiating table, leading to a ceasefire agreement.
Due to his efforts, Malaysia is now often mentioned as a nation which helped unite Asean and achieve peace and progress for all.
Even prior to the peace talks, the prime minister has been steadfast in his stand on the rights of Palestinians and consistently advocated for justice and human rights on the global stage.
The prime minister has remained firm on demanding justice and an immediate ceasefire in Gaza to end the war that has been going on for almost two years. Malaysia has also consistently participated in international movements to pressure the Israeli regime, including supporting South Africa's resolution to drag Israel to the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
Anwar has without fail, raised the Palestinian issue and justice for all at every forum.
Most recently, Malaysia had also expressed its support for the French resolution expected to be tabled at the United Nations in September to support the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state.
To date, Malaysia has also sent more than 5,000 tonnes of aid to the Gazan population who are now facing starvation.
“With concerns about Gaza, Malaysia will not change its stand on this issue. What is important is that Malaysia maintains its stance, as other Muslim countries,” Anwar had stressed.
Early this year, he also announced that Malaysia was committed to building a school, hospital and mosque as part of its initial contribution to Gaza’s rebuilding efforts.
Anwar had also appealed to United States president Donald Trump to use his influence and press for an immediate end to the killing in Gaza and ensure humanitarian aid reaches those in need.
Describing the situation in Gaza as a test of humanity, Anwar said entire families had been killed, and children, including babies, were among the dead.
Anwar said those who had influence over Israel must find the courage to act decisively.
He reiterated that Malaysia stood ready to work with all countries to bring relief to Gaza and restore basic principles of humanity.
He said Malaysia’s position remained unchanged and that the government would continue to speak out on such issues.
International praise for Thailand-Cambodia ceasefire
As for his role in the Thailand-Cambodia ceasefire, the premier has won international praise for brokering the immediate and unconditional ceasefire agreement between the two nations.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the US applauds the ceasefire declaration between Cambodia and Thailand.
“We are grateful to Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim for his leadership and for hosting the ceasefire talks,” he had said in a statement.
Anwar broke the diplomatic deadlock by organising a crucial meeting in Putrajaya that successfully defused the Thai - Cambodian tension.
The ceasefire, widely seen as a major achievement for ASEAN, prevented a military conflict from becoming more serious and ensured the safety of thousands of civilians.
Observers said Anwar's achievement was a prime demonstration of the important role played by Malaysia as the ASEAN Chairman by acting as a mediator and peacemaker.
As the ASEAN Chairman, the Prime Minister has been firm and consistent in ensuring that the Southeast Asian Region remains a peaceful region free from any war and chaos and is also proof of Malaysia's high diplomacy in negotiating conflicts that could affect regional peace.
Praise from Opposition parties
Even the opposition recently congratulated and commended Anwar for his key role in arranging the ceasefire between the two countries.
Perikatan Nasional (PN) deputy chairman and opposition leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin said the coalition welcomed any Malaysian involvement in efforts to strengthen regional stability.
“Whatever role Tambun (Anwar) played, even if described by some as simply that of a host, remains a contribution that will be recorded in history. I offer my congratulations and appreciation.
“What’s important is that Malaysia continues to be respected as a sovereign nation and credible balancing power in the Southeast Asian region,” he said in Parliament.
Following Anwar’s successful mediation of the Cambodia–Thailand border truce, Malaysia may now seek to apply a similar conflict resolution model to one of ASEAN’s most intractable challenges — the ongoing armed conflict in Myanmar.
Political observers stated that under Anwar's leadership, Malaysia’s assertive diplomacy is redefining ASEAN’s role, transforming the bloc from a passive consensus-based forum into a more active regional player capable of navigating complex crises.
Though Myanmar's situation presents a more complex challenge, observers remain confident that Anwar can achieve a breakthrough.
“ASEAN needs leadership — and Anwar is providing that,” remarked Kavi Chongkittavorn, a senior fellow at Chulalongkorn University’s Institute of Security and International Studies in Bangkok.
“He is making ASEAN more relevant under Malaysia’s leadership, Timor-Leste is accepted into ASEAN, and to solve the Myanmar crisis, ASEAN needs the leadership too.
“Now ASEAN can engage superpowers, especially the US and China and others more effectively.
“Malaysia announced the new Vision 2045 that envisages the bloc as future ready. Anwar is doing exactly that. It will take time to further rebrand ASEAN,” he reportedly said.
Anwar had also mentioned that the time is right for talks between Myanmar's military junta and its opponents and that he could see the potential.
Anwar also met junta chief Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing in Bangkok, securing the extension of a ceasefire to allow post-earthquake recovery.
Anwar then held a video call with the National Unity Government (NUG) Prime Minister Mahn Winn Khaing Thann on the provision of humanitarian aid in the wake of the devastating earthquake that hit central Myanmar on March 28.
Observers stated that Anwar appears determined to reopen dialogue channels and reassert ASEAN’s diplomatic relevance in Myanmar and if successful, Malaysia may reclaim its standing as a key regional actor capable of shifting entrenched ASEAN norms.
In his keynote address at the 38th Asia Pacific Roundtable (APR), Anwar urged ASEAN member states to strengthen their collective resolve in addressing the ongoing crisis in Myanmar.
Anwar emphasised that the regional bloc must move beyond statements and transactional, noting that it should be transformative.
He stressed that civil conflict in Myanmar continues to be one of the most pressing and unresolved challenges facing Southeast Asia which needs urgent attention. - August 8, 2025
