By Yasmin Ramlan
KUALA LUMPUR, May 27 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim hailed the outcomes of the Asean Summit as a significant step forward, driven by early high-level engagements and a renewed sense of regional resolve.
He voiced optimism that ongoing negotiations, particularly on free trade and regional cooperation, will yield concrete outcomes that aim to deliver tangible benefits for the people of Asean.
“The work (done) of many of our officials, which was then translated into these sort of recommendations, is quite unprecedented,” he told a press conference at the conclusion of the 46th Asean Summit at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre here today.
“I think what would normally be deliberated or discussed in October has been addressed, and we are moving forward… I think this is a major change.”
Among issues deliberated at the summit included the South China Sea code of conduct, Myanmar crisis, and Timor Leste’s Asean accession.
Anwar said the outcomes reflect a growing urgency among Asean members to translate recommendations into real action.
“I’m not saying all issues can be resolved now, but at least there is a real, meaningful, and positive engagement. And that is the spirit of Asean.
“I am personally excited because I can see a greater sense of seriousness. Otherwise, we talk about working together, but when it comes to making common decisions to protect our turf in Asean, including on geopolitical issues, sometimes we do not always share the same views. Not this time.
“We can continue with bilateral meetings and engagements, but never, ever (at the expense of) the ordinary person or collective interests of Asean,” he said.
Anwar called the collective momentum at the summit a dramatic change in attitude, with leaders showing greater seriousness and unity to move beyond political pronouncements towards tangible results.
“I've never seen such plain, strong commitment,” he said, urging immediate action.
