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The Star
a day ago
- Politics
- The Star
PM: Ceasefire highlights Asean's growing diplomatic clout
JAKARTA: The immediate and unconditional ceasefire agreed by Thailand and Cambodia reflects not only the strength of Asean's convening power, but also the constructive engagement of its partners in safeguarding regional stability, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. In his policy speech on Asean delivered at the Asean Secretariat yesterday, Anwar, who is also the current chairman of the bloc, said such an episode has served as a vital reaffirmation of the values that have served the Asean region well. 'By continuing to uphold the Asean Charter and the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation, we can strengthen the peace dividend, ensuring Asean remains a community of trust, cooperation and shared prosperity for generations to come,' he said. Secretary-general of Asean Kao Kim Hourn also attended the event, reported Bernama. On Monday, Anwar succeeded in mediating an immediate and unconditional ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia after a special meeting held in Putrajaya, which has drawn international praise and put Malaysia in the global spotlight. The United States was a co-organiser of the meeting while China, as an observer, aimed to promote a peaceful resolution to the ongoing situation. According to Anwar, the episode is a reminder of the qualities which have kept the region at peace – patience, trust, and steady diplomacy – and give meaning to Asean's centrality and unity today. 'I have consistently underscored that Asean's centrality, unity and autonomy should remain the compass in our collective journey ahead. 'However, we must be cognisant that these ethos are not a right but a privilege we must work hard to sustain in the face of shifting regional and global dynamics. In a fragmented world, our centrality and unity matter more than ever.' Anwar also commended Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thai acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai for their statesmanship, as well as US President Donald Trump and the Chinese leadership for their constructive engagement. 'The presence and cooperation of all parties reaffirm that peace is best achieved through dialogue, mutual respect and a shared commitment to stability.' The Prime Minister is currently in Indonesia for a two-day working visit for the 13th Malaysia-Indonesia Annual Consultation. He arrived in Jakarta on Monday, accompanied by key officials including Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, Investment, Trade, and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz and Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek.
The Star
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Putrajaya-brokered ceasefire highlights Asean's growing clout, says Anwar
JAKARTA: The immediate and unconditional ceasefire agreed by Thailand and Cambodia not only reflects the strength of Asean's convening power but also the constructive engagement of its partners in safeguarding regional stability, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. In his policy speech on Asean delivered at the Asean Secretariat here on Tuesday (July 29), Anwar, who is also the current chairman of the bloc, said such an episode has served as a vital reaffirmation of the values that have served the Asean region well. "By continuing to uphold the Asean Charter and the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation, we can strengthen the peace dividend, ensuring Asean remains a community of trust, cooperation, and shared prosperity for generations to come," he said. Asean Secretary-General also Kao Kim Hourn attended the event. On Monday, Anwar succeeded in mediating an immediate and unconditional ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia after a special meeting held in Putrajaya, which has drawn international praise and put Malaysia in the global spotlight. The United States was a co-organiser of the meeting, while China, as an observer, aimed to promote a peaceful resolution to the ongoing situation. According to Anwar, the episode reminds Asean of the qualities which have kept the region at peace – patience, trust and steady diplomacy – are the same qualities that give meaning to Asean's centrality and unity today. "I have consistently underscored that Asean's centrality, unity and autonomy should remain the compass in our collective journey ahead. "However, we must be cognisant that these ethos are not a right, but a privilege we must work hard to sustain in the face of shifting regional and global dynamics. In a fragmented world, our centrality and unity matter more than ever," he said. Anwar also commended Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thai acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai for their statesmanship, as well as United States President Donald Trump and the Chinese leadership for their constructive engagement. The presence and cooperation of all parties reaffirm that peace is best achieved through dialogue, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to stability, he said. Anwar is currently in Indonesia for a two-day working visit for the 13th Malaysia-Indonesia Annual Consultation from July 28. The Prime Minister arrived in Jakarta on Monday accompanied by key officials, including Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg, Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, as well as Investment, Trade, and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz and Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek. – Bernama
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New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
[UPDATED] Asean's convening power ends Thailand-Cambodia border tensions, says Anwar
KUALA LUMPUR: The successful mediation of tensions along the Thailand-Cambodia border, which resulted in an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, highlights both Asean's strong convening power and the constructive role of its partners in upholding regional stability. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said as Asean Chair, Malaysia was entrusted with the responsibility of hosting the leaders of Cambodia and Thailand at a time when rising border tensions had become a serious concern for member states. "I believed that, despite the dangerous and escalating situation, it was both vital and possible to bring the two sides to the negotiating table. "In the lead-up to the meeting, I spoke to both leaders, took care to listen to their perspectives, and urged them to find common ground in the interest of ensuring no more lives were lost. Featured Videos "With the participation of the United States and President Donald Trump himself engaging directly with both prime ministers (Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand's acting Prime Minister Phumtham), that of course further encouraged and helped facilitate the arrangement, as well as China, both sides agreed to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire. "This reflects not only the strength of Asean's convening power, but also the constructive engagement of our partners in safeguarding regional stability," he said in his policy speech on Asean, during his visit to the Asean Secretariat in Jakarta, Indonesia today. Anwar said such engagement was unique. "I was trusted with the job (as mediator), but I believe I represent the Asean spirit because it was through Asean's cohesiveness that I was able to speak firmly and urge our colleagues to secure lasting peace. I spoke on behalf of the ten member states and our partners." Anwar said that, in addition to Hun Manet and Phumtham, he had the United States representative on his right and the Chinese representatives on his left. "It was remarkable that not many regions can do as such, but we did the Asean way, to ensure peaceful resolution to the conflict." He added; "The presence and cooperation of all parties reaffirm that peace is best achieved through dialogue, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to stability. This episode has served as a vital reaffirmation of the values that have served our region well." Anwar added that by continuing to uphold the Asean Charter and the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation, the bloc can strengthen the peace dividend. "This ensures Asean remains a community of trust, cooperation and shared prosperity for generations to come. "It also reminds us that the qualities which have kept our region at peace; patience, trust and steady diplomacy, are the same qualities that give meaning to our centrality and unity today." Anwar said he had consistently underscored that Asean's centrality, unity and autonomy should remain the compass in the bloc's collective journey ahead. "However, we must be cognisant that these ethos are not a right, but a privilege we must work hard to sustain in the face of shifting regional and global dynamics. In a fragmented world, our centrality and unity matter more than ever." Anwar said the existing international order is not just under strain – it is facing unprecedented levels of fragmentation. "Characterised by major power rivalries, geo-economic competition and fraying multilateralism, the world now is increasingly more complex, chaotic and contradictory. "As such, Asean must confront this sobering reality with clarity of purpose and vision. As we navigate an uncertain strategic landscape, we must continue to be a voice of reason, and a resilient community committed to peace and shared prosperity. "Asean's commitment to regionalism and multilateralism remains the anchor of the region's collective stability and progress. It is imperative that Asean continues to stand for rules, even when others choose retreat."
Barnama
2 days ago
- Politics
- Barnama
Putrajaya-Brokered Ceasefire Highlights ASEAN's Growing Diplomatic Clout, Says Anwar
JAKARTA, July 29 (Bernama) -- The immediate and unconditional ceasefire agreed by Thailand and Cambodia on Monday reflects not only the strength of ASEAN's convening power, but also the constructive engagement of its partners in safeguarding regional stability, said Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. In his policy speech on ASEAN delivered at the ASEAN Secretariat here on Tuesday, Anwar, who is also the current chairman of the bloc, said such an episode has served as a vital reaffirmation of the values that have served the ASEAN region well. 'By continuing to uphold the ASEAN Charter and the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation, we can strengthen the peace dividend, ensuring ASEAN remains a community of trust, cooperation, and shared prosperity for generations to come,' he said. bootstrap slideshow Secretary-General of ASEAN Kao Kim Hourn attended the event. On Monday, Anwar succeeded in mediating an immediate and unconditional ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia after a special meeting held in Putrajaya, which has drawn international praise and put Malaysia in the global spotlight. The US was a co-organiser of the meeting, while China, as an observer, aimed to promote a peaceful resolution to the ongoing situation. According to the prime minister, the episode reminds ASEAN of the qualities which have kept the region at peace – patience, trust, and steady diplomacy – are the same qualities that give meaning to ASEAN's centrality and unity today. 'I have consistently underscored that ASEAN's centrality, unity, and autonomy should remain the compass in our collective journey ahead. 'However, we must be cognisant that these ethos are not a right, but a privilege we must work hard to sustain in the face of shifting regional and global dynamics. In a fragmented world, our centrality and unity matter more than ever,' he said.
Focus Malaysia
6 days ago
- Politics
- Focus Malaysia
Anwar's leadership crucial in ASEAN's conflict test
THE violent border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia have thrust Malaysia's Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim into the spotlight not just as a concerned regional leader, but as the current Chair of ASEAN. With at least nine civilians dead, multiple injuries, airstrikes, and diplomatic relations downgraded, this conflict is no longer a bilateral issue but it is a regional crisis that demands a strong, strategic response. Anwar's actions now will shape both the trajectory of this conflict and ASEAN's credibility as a peace-promoting institution. So far, Anwar has taken the first step: calling for peace and reaching out to his counterparts in both countries. But expressions of concern, while important, are not sufficient. The region has already seen the cost of delayed and passive diplomacy in Myanmar. Anwar must lead ASEAN beyond this pattern of cautious disengagement. As ASEAN Chair, Anwar should immediately call for an emergency ASEAN Summit or a Special Meeting of Foreign Ministers specifically on the Thailand-Cambodia crisis. This forum would allow for ASEAN to consolidate its position and craft a unified message, one that pushes both countries toward de-escalation while offering concrete mechanisms for negotiation. Anwar should also advocate for the activation of ASEAN's long-neglected peace mechanisms particularly the High Council under the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC). This body was created to mediate disputes and prevent armed conflict among member states. By invoking the TAC, Anwar would give Thailand and Cambodia a diplomatic channel to resolve the dispute without either side appearing to back down under external pressure. Furthermore, Malaysia could push for the deployment of neutral ASEAN observers to monitor the border and ensure both sides adhere to a ceasefire, should one be agreed upon. This would be a confidence-building measure and a sign of ASEAN's seriousness in preventing further bloodshed. Malaysia's historically strong bilateral relations with both Thailand and Cambodia uniquely position Anwar to act as a trusted intermediary. While public statements are necessary, Anwar can also engage in quiet, backchannel diplomacy that offering Kuala Lumpur as a neutral ground for talks, or sending senior Malaysian diplomats as envoys to both sides. Anwar's political standing and reputation as a reform-minded leader give him the credibility to be seen as an impartial peacemaker. If anyone in ASEAN can speak frankly with both Bangkok and Phnom Penh and still maintain diplomatic goodwill, it is him. The Myanmar civil conflict should serve as a warning for Anwar and ASEAN. The regional bloc's slow, hands-off approach in that crisis allowed violence and instability to deepen. ASEAN's credibility suffered, and its 'Five-Point Consensus' remains largely unfulfilled. If similar inertia defines the response to the Thailand-Cambodia border clash, ASEAN risks further diminishing its relevance and worse, normalizing violence as a method of dispute resolution within the bloc. Anwar must ensure that ASEAN does not repeat this mistake. Unlike the Myanmar military junta, both Thailand and Cambodia remain engaged in ASEAN and have signalled interest in resolving the issue. This makes the current conflict more solvable but only with active, early intervention. This moment is not just a test for ASEAN; it is a personal and diplomatic test for Anwar. His leadership can either push ASEAN into a new era of proactive conflict management or allow it to slide further into irrelevance. By spearheading regional dialogue, activating ASEAN's mediation tools, and using Malaysia's bilateral influence wisely, Anwar can broker not just a ceasefire, but a process that de-escalates tensions in a lasting way. He can help ASEAN evolve from a passive observer to a responsible regional actor. In doing so, Anwar would not only serve Malaysia's national interest in a stable neighbourhood but he would leave a mark as a transformative ASEAN Chair who chose leadership over hesitation, peace over politics, and decisive diplomacy over delayed response. The opportunity is rare. The responsibility is great. And the time to act is now. ‒ July 25, 2025 R Paneir Selvam is the principal consultant of Arunachala Research & Consultancy Sdn Bhd, a think tank specialising in strategic national and geopolitical matters. The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia. Main image: Nation Thailand
