KUALA LUMPUR: Asean can overcome the challenge of rising geopolitical divisions through shared leadership and a neutral policy, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Speaking at the Khazanah Megatrends Forum, the Prime Minister highlighted Malaysia’s upcoming role as Asean chair next year, underlining the need for a collective approach to diplomacy in navigating complex global dynamics.
"Asean faces growing geopolitical tensions that risk destabilising our region, but through strong neutrality and shared leadership, we can overcome these challenges," he said in his speech on Monday (Oct 7).
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Anwar reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to ensuring that Asean remains a cohesive, neutral force in a polarising world, advocating for diplomacy over alignment with any global superpower.
As Malaysia prepares for its Asean chairmanship, Anwar emphasised the importance of neutrality as a cornerstone of regional stability.
He noted that the rising geopolitical tensions between global powers have placed significant pressure on Asean to take sides, but said Malaysia's leadership would prioritise unity and collaboration over division.
He called for adherence to a rules-based order, both regionally and internationally, as a means to safeguard Asean’s stability.
Anwar also pointed out that the region's strength lies in its ability to mediate and navigate through diplomacy, a strategy that Malaysia would champion during its tenure as Asean chair.
Looking beyond Asean, Anwar expressed Malaysia’s intention to deepen partnerships with the BRICS bloc, further strengthening South-South cooperation.
He noted that expanding relationships with emerging economies would not only benefit Malaysia but also fortify Asean’s role on the global stage.
"Asean must expand its horizons, and Malaysia will actively pursue partnerships with BRICS and other nations to deepen South-South relationships," he said.
Anwar underscored that these alliances are critical in promoting economic and diplomatic stability in an increasingly divided global landscape.
At the same time, he reaffirmed Malaysia’s stance on the importance of fair global governance, calling for a revision of the global financial architecture to ensure equity and fairness for developing nations.
Anwar also highlighted Malaysia's focus on addressing key regional challenges such as trade, climate change and technological innovation.
He pointed out that Malaysia’s National Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP) is integral to ensuring that the country and the region remain competitive in the global economy.
"Malaysia must adapt to sustainable technologies while moving up the semiconductor value chain," he said, stressing the importance of staying ahead of global trends in artificial intelligence and electric vehicles.
He acknowledged the growing demand for advanced technologies, noting that Malaysia’s investment in these sectors would play a crucial role in securing its place within the global economy.
At the same time, he called for Asean to adopt a forward-thinking approach that leverages technological advancements and fosters innovation across the region.
He also highlighted Malaysia's commitment to leading Asean with a vision of unity, inclusivity and collaboration.
