From Gaza To South China Sea: Malaysians Laud PM Anwar's Bold ASEAN Diplomacy

By Shaidathul Suhana Ros and Norazurra Aziz

KUALA LUMPUR, May 30 (Bernama) -- Malaysia’s Chairmanship of ASEAN this year has been hailed as a diplomatic success, marked by strong joint statements reflecting unity among member states, especially in addressing pressing global humanitarian and regional security issues.

Even the general Malaysian public praised Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s bold leadership, particularly on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. His firm stance, they noted, garnered support from ASEAN leaders, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and China, culminating in a unified statement condemning violence against civilians.

Pensioner Minati Hamir, 70, said she fully supports the government's unwavering commitment to advocating for the rights of Palestinians who have long suffered under prolonged conflict.

“As ASEAN Chair, Malaysia has a powerful platform to push for more effective regional diplomacy and global awareness campaigns.

“Support for Gaza must extend beyond Muslim nations. This is a humanitarian crisis that demands action and solidarity from all nations that uphold justice, regardless of religion or ethnicity,” she told Bernama when contacted.

Minati, who is also a former school principal, also called on the government to broaden awareness campaigns, particularly among the younger generation, so the atrocities and suffering in Gaza are never forgotten.

Sharing her sentiments, Anni Holilah Syahuddin, 23, a public university student, expressed hope that the recent summit resolutions would lead to peace in Gaza.

“The bloodshed feels endless. I hope their decades-long suffering will finally end with liberation from Israeli occupation,” she said.

Lauren Yee, 35, a private sector employee, congratulated the Prime Minister for his effective diplomacy as ASEAN Chair, especially in managing complex regional issues such as tensions in the South China Sea.

“As Malaysians, we hope peaceful resolutions can be achieved through diplomacy, particularly since China is one of our key trading partners. In today’s uncertain global economy, maintaining regional stability is crucial,” she said.

Yee also expressed confidence in Anwar’s ability to navigate international affairs with diplomacy and credibility.

“We need wise, credible leadership to maintain regional cooperation and stability. ASEAN may be small geographically, but we must project unity and strength in the face of global geopolitical challenges,” she added.

Meanwhile, Lim San Shien, 25, a Government’s Unity Ambassador and National Bahasa Melayu Icon, said Malaysia’s successful hosting of the ASEAN Summit reaffirmed ASEAN Centrality, positioning the region as a hub of peace, security, and robust economic cooperation.

“This summit also addressed youth issues. I hope young people, as the future of ASEAN, will be further empowered through initiatives that develop talent, encourage dialogue, and enable skills-sharing,” he said.

Lim pointed to the launch of the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future as a significant outcome  - a roadmap for deeper bilateral and multilateral cooperation across sectors, including economics and socio-cultural development.

“Malaysia must mainstream ASEAN’s values, identity, and unity, and show that we can navigate complex geopolitical and geo-economic environments together,” he added.

The Prime Minister, in his exit press conference after the conclusion of the summit, credited the success of the 46th ASEAN Summit to collective effort and team spirit across government and society.

Anwar said the smooth organisation of the preparatory meetings, the summit and related summits from May 23 to 27 was the result of exceptional commitment from government machinery and the public’s shared understanding of Malaysia’s regional role as ASEAN Chair 2025 under the theme ‘Inclusivity and Sustainability’.

-- BERNAMA