PUTRAJAYA: Stronger economic integration, trade expansion and cross-border energy connectivity are key pillars of focus under Malaysia’s Asean chairmanship this year, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister said Malaysia is determined to lead Asean beyond its traditional role as a neutral platform towards a cohesive and values-driven force in the Indo-Pacific region.
“We are focussing on strengthening cohesiveness in Asean, increasing economic interst and trade and boosting investment among member countries,” said Anwar during a press briefing on the 46th Asean summit next week.
Anwar said the Asean Power Grid project, which will begin with a cable linking Vietnam to Peninsular Malaysia via the National Grid, is a major step forward in regional energy cooperation.
“In the first phase, what is deemed to be more economically viable is to connect Vietnam to the northern peninsula and the south, and then link it into Singapore though our National Grid,” said Anwar.
Anwar also briefly noted that PETRONAS could be given a leading role in implementing this segment of the project in Malaysia.
At the same time, Anwar said future phases of the Asean power grid will see further expansion into Cambodia, Thailand and Sarawak.
“This opens the possibility of supplying energy to Indonesia’s new capital Kalimantan, and even to the southern Philippines,” added Anwar.
Anwar also affirmed Malaysia’s commitment to redefining Asean’s global standing through pragmatic and values-based diplomacy.
“We want to move Asean forward as a regional force with clear economic direction and principled engagement. It’s not just about neutrality, but values and vision,” added Anwar.
Malaysia will host the 46th Asean Summit and Related Summits from May 26 to 27.
The 2nd Asean-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit and the Asean-GCC-China Economic Summit will also be held then.
Meanwhile, Anwar said the joint declaration signed by PETRONAS and Petros has set the stage for seamless energy cooperation.
“Give it some time - wisdom and sanity will prevail. I think that is working,” added Anwar.
On Wednesday (May 21) afternoon, Anwar and Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg signed a joint declaration to establish clear parameters and collaborative framework for PETRONAS and Petros in the oil and gas sectior.
