By Danial Dzulkifly
KUALA LUMPUR, July 9 — Asean’s centrality must remain the bloc’s “north star”, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, as members navigate rising geopolitical tensions and unresolved internal disputes.
Speaking at the opening of the 58th Asean Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Anwar said the bloc must remain grounded in trust, dialogue, and regional solidarity to remain relevant.
“Even on unfortunate incidents, like the recent one between Cambodia and Thailand, we had no inhibition at all to immediately call our colleagues in both countries to express concern and support efforts to secure lasting peace,” he said in his opening speech at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre here today.
Anwar was referring to a clash at the Thai-Cambodian in May that left one Cambodian soldier dead.
The dispute over a contested area claimed by both nations has kept tensions simmering despite pledges to de-escalate.
The incident led to the suspension of Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra after a leaked phone call between her and Cambodian Senate president Hun Sen sparked political controversy in Thailand.
Anwar also acknowledged Asean faces its own set of challenges, such as limited intra-Asean trade and ongoing conflicts among members, but said the bloc has done “relatively well”.
“I must reiterate: It is because of the trust and confidence we have in each other.”
He warned that the global order is becoming increasingly unstable, with major powers undermining multilateralism.
Anwar urged Asean to respond with unity and renewed commitment to consensus, saying the bloc is at a crossroads and must make “courageous choices” about its future.
He also rejected attempts by external powers to divide the region into competing spheres of influence, stressing that Asean must remain the primary driver of its own regional affairs.
“The global order is now framed by conflict, coercion, and mistrust. Too many relationships are defined by instability,” Anwar said, pointing to conflicts in Gaza, Ukraine, parts of Africa, and Myanmar as examples of global instability.
He also expressed concern over rising Middle East tensions that could have far-reaching consequences, referring to Israel’s unprovoked violence against Iran.
Anwar urged Asean to get its “house in order”, urging members to better coordinate their foreign and economic policies in line with the bloc’s vision of deeper trade, investment and cooperation.
He also reiterated his support for Timor Leste’s accession as Asean’s 11th member in October.
