Malaysia Sets New Benchmark As ASEAN Chair - Fadillah

PUTRAJAYA, Oct 28 (Bernama) -- Malaysia has set a high standard in its chairmanship of ASEAN throughout this year, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.

He said the achievement was a source of great pride, as Malaysia had earned praise and commendation from all ASEAN member states.

“This could not have been achieved without collective action at every level within ASEAN. We worked across ministries and agencies, with everyone showing respect for what we have accomplished,” he said.

He said this in his speech at the 2025 National World Town Planning Day Celebration, National Planning Congress (NPC) and MyCity Expo 2025 held here today.

Fadillah said Malaysia has now become a new benchmark for ASEAN member countries, including next year’s chair, the Philippines, which has acknowledged that Malaysia’s level of achievement will be difficult to match.

Fadillah said Malaysia not only succeeded in strengthening regional relations through various memoranda of understanding and commitments signed, but also played an instrumental role in brokering a peace accord between Cambodia and Thailand.

He said Malaysia also achieved a new milestone as ASEAN Chair with Timor-Leste’s admission as the 11th member of the regional bloc at the 47th ASEAN Summit.

At the same time, Fadillah emphasised that these achievements must align with national efforts to strengthen both urban and rural development planning.

“We must commit to transforming our country and our cities, whether big or small, to address the challenges of urban migration and achieve balanced development. We also want our rural areas to be liveable and competitive towns,” he said.

He stressed that achieving balance between social and economic development and environmental sustainability is essential to ensure the well-being of people across the country.

Fadillah also said that the contributions of urban planners and city managers deserve greater recognition and elevation.

“They are not merely policy contributors but agents of change who shape the future landscape of Malaysia’s cities,” he said.

Also present at the event were Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming and Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa.

The three-day 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits, held under Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship theme of “Inclusivity and Sustainability”, will end today.

-- BERNAMA