Detractors argue that Malaysia lacks a coherent roadmap, that the chairpersonship risks becoming overly associated with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, and that Asean remains ineffective in addressing regional crises.
However, such criticisms overlook the depth of Malaysia’s strategic vision, the unique leadership that Anwar brings, and the shifting geopolitical realities that make this chairpersonship a critical opportunity for recalibrating Asean’s global role.
Why Malaysia’s leadership matters
Asean stands at a crossroads. The global economic order is in flux, transnational crime is on the rise, cyber threats are intensifying, and regional security is being tested by external pressures, including heightened tensions in the South China Sea and the evolving situation in Myanmar.
Against this backdrop, Malaysia’s chairpersonship under Anwar Ibrahim is not merely routine - it is a defining moment for Asean’s strategic recalibration...