ASEAN Advances Peace, Stability, Prosperity Under Malaysia’s Leadership - Sec-Gen

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 28 (Bernama) -- The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) remains steadfast in advancing peace, stability and prosperity in the region and beyond, under Malaysia’s Chairmanship this year, said ASEAN Secretary-General Dr Kao Kim Hourn.

He said under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s chairmanship, ASEAN has focused on strengthening unity and its role as a global force for peace and cooperation.

“ASEAN has been very true to its spirit, meaning that since the founding in 1967, we have always talked about peace and stability in the region, because with peace and stability, we can talk about prioritising prosperity, the people, and the planned agenda,” he said.

Kao told this to reporters in an interview on the sidelines of the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits here today.

He said Malaysia’s chairmanship under the leadership of Anwar has been instrumental in pushing reforms at home while balancing ASEAN’s role on the global stage.

“I think ASEAN today is a global ASEAN, it's not just a regional ASEAN,” he said.

He said Malaysia has done very well as Chairman of ASEAN despite a difficult year for the region, and commended Malaysia’s “decisive leadership” in addressing challenges, including the inclusion of Timor-Leste, economic cooperation, Thailand-Cambodia crisis, and engagement with Myanmar.

“I would say that this has been a very difficult year for ASEAN and for the world, yet I think Malaysia has  navigated it strategically and achieved so much in one year,” he said.

Kao said ASEAN also continued to advocate multilateralism and dialogue diplomacy in addressing conflicts worldwide under Malaysia’s Chairmanship.

“We have been a strong advocate of dialogue diplomacy not only at the regional level but also at the global level.

“We want to see conflicts around the world resolved through diplomacy and negotiation,” he said, adding that issues such as Gaza were also discussed during the summit.

Kao said that ASEAN unity and centrality remain the foundation of its external relations, as the bloc continues to cooperate with partners including the United States, China, Japan, South Korea, and the European Union.

“Unity means the strength of ASEAN. That's important,” he said, adding that ASEAN has reaffirmed its commitment to its people, particularly youth.

“Our leaders, our ministers and officials have been working very hard to make sure they put people first and that's why we have people—ordinary people—in the ASEAN community,” he said.

On ASEAN’s future direction, Kao said he is proud that ASEAN has emerged as a key global player. 

"I'm very proud of the fact that today ASEAN is in the spotlight. We have a lot of countries that are now more willing to work with ASEAN," he said.

He also expressed confidence that ASEAN’s unity, peace, and stability would continue to guide its shared vision towards 2045.

"I hope that we will continue to work in spirit to keep peace and stability, to keep unity, and, of course, to make sure that we never lose sight of the interests of our people," he said.

As the Chair of ASEAN for 2025, Malaysia hosted the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits from Oct 26 to 28, 2025 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC), located in the heart of Malaysia’s capital city, Kuala Lumpur.

Guided by the theme “Inclusivity and Sustainability”, Malaysia’s chairmanship focuses on strengthening ASEAN’s efforts towards building a more resilient, people-centred, and forward-looking region. 

-- BERNAMA