PRIME Minister (PM) Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (picture) has reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to ASEAN cohesion and constructive engagement with regional partners amid complex geopolitical challenges and growing concerns over cross-border repression.
In an interview with Al Jazeera’s 101 East recently, Anwar stressed the importance of ASEAN remaining united as the region faces mounting pressure from major powers and intensifying trade tensions.
“We have been quite cohesive. I think we need to strengthen that bond together in this changing geopolitical environment.
“The focus is on intra-trade, investment and taking a common position vis-à-vis the big powers and our neighbours,” he said.
Anwar also described Malaysia’s relations with neighbouring countries as “excellent” and emphasised that many regional issues are best resolved through direct personal engagement.
He reiterated that ASEAN centrality must remain a core guiding principle as the region faces new global trade dynamics, including tariff policies that could impact member states.
While acknowledging that tariff changes, particularly from the US, could adversely affect Malaysia, he said : “If we can secure ASEAN unity and cohesion, we may be able to slightly mitigate the impact.”
Malaysia has previously chaired ASEAN in 1977, 1997, 2005 and 2015. On the issue of cyber scams operating out of South-East Asia, including Cambodia, Anwar said ASEAN has stepped up collaboration to tackle transnational crime. He dismissed claims that the Cambodian government was complicit in the scam industry, despite critical reports from international watchdogs.
He also said Malaysia continues to maintain close and effective cooperation with Cambodian authorities, which he described as “unrivalled”.
Anwar said he would raise any new concerns directly with Cambodian PM Hun Manet. —Bernama
- This article first appeared in The Malaysian Reserve weekly print edition
The post Anwar reaffirms commitment to ASEAN cohesion appeared first on The Malaysian Reserve.
