SERDANG: Malaysia’s success as Asean chair in 2025 should serve as a wake-up call for the country to improve governance and deliver better outcomes for its people, particularly in strengthening the economy and public welfare, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He said international recognition would be meaningless if it was not matched by clear economic direction, stronger education outcomes, and adoption of new technologies such as artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure.
“The success of chairing Asean last year should not make us complacent. Instead, it should teach us to work harder and be more responsible,” he said at the Asean–Malaysia 2025 Chairmanship Appreciation Ceremony at the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang (MAEPS) on Monday (Jan 19).
Anwar also thanked civil servants, volunteers, private sector players, and government-linked companies who ensured the smooth organisation of last year’s Asean meetings and summits.
From security and immigration officers to hotel staff, cleaners, and cultural performers, many worked late into the night to ensure visiting leaders were well received.
He warned that Malaysia would not earn lasting international respect if it remained divided by party, race, or state.
“Leadership must be responsible, governance must be clean, and policies must be clear,” he said.
He added that corruption and abuse of power must be addressed to maintain public trust and attract investment.
Earlier, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said Malaysia hosted more than 300 meetings, including the 46th and 47th Asean Summits, Asean-GCC, and Asean-GCC-China summits, resulting over 90 outcome documents.
Malaysia also facilitated Timor-Leste’s entry as Asean’s 11th member and helped ease border tensions between Thailand and Cambodia.
Also present were Anwar’s wife Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, Deputy Prime Ministers Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, Cabinet ministers, senior civil servants, and heads of government agencies.
