Malaysia Strengthens ASEAN As A Bigger, More Prominent Bloc - Analysts

By Ahmad Aidil Syukri Hamzah & Mohd Khairi Idham Amran

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 23 (Bernama) -- Malaysia has reinforced ASEAN’s stature as a more cohesive and influential regional bloc, following the forthcoming formal admission of Timor-Leste and the growing international recognition of the organisation as world leaders convene in Kuala Lumpur for the 47th ASEAN Summit.

Geostrategist Prof Dr Azmi Hassan said Malaysia played a key role in supporting Timor-Leste’s entry into ASEAN, a move that strengthens regional unity and prevents external influence on the new member’s foreign policy.

“Malaysia recognised early that Timor-Leste should be part of ASEAN to prevent external powers from influencing its foreign policy,” he told Bernama.

According to him, Malaysia’s proactive diplomacy as ASEAN Chair under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim demonstrated leadership that expanded ASEAN’s relevance beyond regional issues.

He said this could be seen during the Thailand-Cambodia conflict, where Malaysia brokered a ceasefire between the two neighbouring countries, reflecting its commitment to ASEAN unity and centrality.

“Malaysia, as chair, was quick to act despite Thailand’s initial objection and a ceasefire was eventually achieved through Malaysia’s proactive diplomacy,” he said.

He said under Malaysia’s chairmanship, ASEAN also included references to the Gaza conflict in its official declaration for the first time, signalling the bloc’s growing engagement in global humanitarian issues.

Besides that, Malaysia also proposed for a permanent ASEAN envoy to monitor the Five-Point Consensus on Myanmar, reflecting renewed determination to uphold democracy within the bloc, said the analyst.

Azmi said Malaysia’s diplomatic outreach has drawn strong global attention, evidenced by the expected presence of the United States (US) President Donald Trump and other world leaders at the Kuala Lumpur summit.

“When Anwar is respected globally, ASEAN automatically gains greater recognition,” he said.

Meanwhile, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia’s Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities director Associate Professor Dr Mazlan Ali said Malaysia’s credibility as a peace broker has long been recognised in the region.

“Malaysia is often chosen as a mediator whenever conflict arises, including in southern Thailand or between Thailand and Cambodia,” he said.

He said Malaysia’s neutral and moderate stance made it highly respected among ASEAN members and global partners.

“Malaysia is a non-aligned nation and always preferred negotiation and consensus over confrontation. That consistency earns respect from both ASEAN and the wider international community,” he said.

Mazlan said the inclusion of Timor-Leste would make ASEAN a truly regional bloc, emphasising inclusivity and maturity and Malaysia’s strong support was key to the process.

He said Malaysia could serve as a bridge, connecting developed ASEAN members with emerging ones to narrow development gaps across the region.

“Malaysia can act as a gateway, channelling investment from wealthier partners to help less-developed ASEAN members grow,” he said.

Timor-Leste’s inclusion marks the first expansion of ASEAN in more than two decades since Cambodia joined in 1999.

The country was granted observer status in 2022 and will formally be admitted as the bloc’s 11th member on Oct 26, in conjunction with the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits.

The 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits will be held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre from Oct 26 to 28, under Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship 2025, themed “Inclusivity and Sustainability”.

Besides ASEAN leaders and Trump, Chinese Premier Li Qiang, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, European Council President Antonio Costa, and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi are among the over 20 global leaders scheduled to attend, while Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend via an online platform.

-- BERNAMA