By Danial Dzulkifly
KUALA LUMPUR, May 26 — The Asean Summit, the highest policy-making body of the regional bloc, kicked off today with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim calling on member states to stand united in defending multilateralism amid rising protectionism and a shifting global order.
Delivering his opening remarks at the 46th Asean Summit plenary session at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre here today, Anwar cautioned that the world is entering a turbulent phase, where the rules-based international system is being dismantled by “arbitrary and unilateral” actions.
“Protectionism is resurging as we bear witness to multilateralism breaking apart at the seams,” he said, citing the recent imposition of tariffs by the United States as a signal of growing strain on the global trading system.
To remediate and mitigate the impact of the tariffs, Anwar informed Asean heads of state and delegates at today’s meeting that he has written to the US president seeking a meeting between the bloc and the US.
“I have taken the liberty of writing to president Donald Trump to seek his understanding and support in organising a US-Asean meeting, which reflects our serious commitment to the principle of centrality.”
Despite these headwinds, Anwar voiced confidence in Asean’s resilience, pointing to the swift establishment of the Asean Geo-economics Task Force as a testament to the bloc’s resolve and coordination.
He also emphasised Asean’s increasing relevance in the global order, noting that this year marks the 10th anniversary of the Asean Community and the adoption of a new 20-year vision to guide the bloc forward.
The Asean Community is the bloc’s formal shift from a grouping of nations to a more united, rules-based and people-oriented community, signed as part of the 2015 Kuala Lumpur Declaration.
The prime minister also called for the bloc to stay rooted in its founding principles, namely peace, stability, and the free movement of trade, capital, and people.
“I strongly believe in the fortitude and staying power of Asean to weather the storms and stay ahead of the curve,” he said.
Anwar also commended Asean’s expanding strategic engagements, pointing to the upcoming Asean-GCC-China Summit as a sign of deepening geopolitical maturity and regional cohesion.
“It symbolises the power of cohesiveness among regional blocs, which no doubt will have a positive global impact.”
Malaysia, which holds the Asean Chairmanship this year, has adopted ‘Inclusivity and Sustainability’ as the central theme for its leadership.
This value driven agenda, Anwar stressed, speaks to both the region’s aspirations and its responsibilities.
“Asean’s future must rest on the twin pillars of equitable, sustainable growth and enduring resilience,” he said, adding that these principles must be embedded at the heart of the bloc’s long-term agenda.
