KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called for the preservation of the Asean-GCC-China geo-economic model, emphasising its role in building a more inclusive and sustainable future for the region.
Addressing regional leaders at the official opening of the 46th Asean Summit here on Monday (May 26), Anwar said the trilateral cooperation model must be safeguarded as a strategic pillar in a multipolar global landscape.
“Above all, we must preserve the multilateral system and ensure that the Asean-GCC-China geo-economic model continues to play a meaningful role in forging a more inclusive and sustainable future, for our region and our people,” he said in his opening remarks here today.
Anwar said the inaugural Asean-GCC-China Summit, convened under Malaysia’s chairmanship, reflected a “reservoir of goodwill” and the capacity of regional blocs to act with strategic clarity.
“I believe that this trilateral Summit manifests the successful reshaping of the matrix of partnership that speaks to today’s multipolar reality.
“It symbolises the power of cohesiveness of regional blocs which no doubt would have positive impact on the world at large,” he added.
Anwar said Malaysia, which holds the Asean Chair this year, is also steering the bloc through a pivotal moment, marking a decade since the establishment of the Asean Community and the adoption of a forward-looking 20-year Vision.
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“These milestones offer a renewed sense of optimism and confidence for Asean, underscored by remarkable resilience against a backdrop of increasingly complex and sobering global developments,” said Anwar.
He cautioned against the growing threat of protectionism and the unraveling of the multilateral order, citing recent unilateral tariffs imposed by the United States.
“In response, we have acted expeditiously with the establishment of the Asean Geo-economics Task Force, a necessary step not just for coordination but to demonstrate resolution and confidence,” he said.
On the crisis in Myanmar, Anwar noted progress through the formation of the Informal Advisory Group, chaired by former Thai Prime Minister Dr Thaksin Shinawatra and supported by regional leaders including Brunei’s Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and former Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Hun Sen.
“Quiet engagement has mattered. The steps may be small and the bridge may be fragile, but as they say, in matters of peace, even a fragile bridge is better than a widening gulf,” he said.
Reaffirming Malaysia’s commitment to an open, inclusive and rules-based order, Anwar said Asean’s future must be rooted in “equitable, sustainable growth and enduring resilience”.
“Malaysia, as Chair this year, champions the theme of ‘Inclusivity and Sustainability.’ It speaks not only to our aspirations, but to our obligations,” he added.
