PM welcomes positive momentum on Myanmar, pushes for deeper ASEAN-GCC ties

by HIDAYATH HISHAM

MALAYSIA views the recent informal engagements on Myanmar as a positive sign of movement towards addressing the country’s prolonged political and humanitarian crisis.

Prime Minister (PM) Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said Malaysia’s informal advisory group — led by former Thai PM Dr Thaksin Shinawatra — had enabled quiet diplomacy with major stakeholders in Myanmar.

“The steps may be small and the bridge may be fragile, but as they say, in matters of peace, even a fragile bridge is better than a widening gulf,” Anwar said.

Speaking at the opening plenary of the 46th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur today, he said ASEAN remains committed to resolving the Myanmar issue through sustained engagement based on the Five-point Consensus.

Meanwhile, Anwar also drew attention to ASEAN’s growing relationship with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), ahead of the 2nd ASEAN-GCC Summit.

He said the economic and strategic significance of the bloc’s relationship with the Gulf region has increased in recent years, and reaffirmed Malaysia’s support for further collaboration.

The PM also warned of rising global protectionism and cited recent tariff actions as a sign of multilateralism breaking down.

“Protectionism is resurging as we bear witness to multilateralism breaking apart at the seams,” he said.

Anwar commended ASEAN’s swift action in forming the ASEAN Geo-economics Task Force and called for strengthened coordination to defend the region’s economic resilience.

He added that Malaysia’s ASEAN chairmanship theme — Inclusivity and Sustainability — reflects a commitment to equitable growth and long-term regional stability.

“These principles must be embedded at the very heart of ASEAN’s agenda and vision,” he said.

Anwar officially opened the summit and welcomed leaders and delegates to Kuala Lumpur as Malaysia hosts its fifth ASEAN chairmanship.