Thailand Lauds Malaysia’s Proactive Role  In Driving Regional Collective Agenda 

By Linda Khoo Hui Li

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 25 (Bernama) -- As ASEAN’s Chair for 2025, Malaysia has emerged as a key driver of the regional bloc’s collective agenda under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s proactive leadership, said Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow.

He said Malaysia has played a crucial role in advancing ASEAN’s efforts to address regional challenges, including the conflict in Myanmar and the recent border tensions between Thailand and Cambodia.

“Malaysia is an important player in ASEAN. From the very first day you (Malaysia) took up the chairmanship, Prime Minister Anwar has been a very proactive chairman of ASEAN, setting out a very ambitious agenda,” he told Bernama in an exclusive interview in the Malaysian capital.

Sihasak added that Malaysia has been instrumental in facilitating efforts to resolve the border dispute between Cambodia and Thailand.

“I think the meeting comes at a crucial time. We hope to be able to sign a declaration here in Kuala Lumpur that will open a new chapter in our relations with Cambodia,” he said.

Tensions between the two neighbours escalated into a military confrontation in the Oddar Meanchey and Preah Vihear border areas on July 24, before both sides agreed to a ceasefire following Malaysia’s mediation efforts in Putrajaya on July 28.

Anwar hosted a high-stakes meeting between Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and former Thai acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, successfully defusing tensions and preventing a wider conflict.

The ceasefire, widely seen as a major ASEAN achievement, safeguarded thousands of civilians and prevented a broader military escalation.

On broader regional issues, Sihasak said ASEAN must confront the growing decline of multilateralism and the rise of protectionism amid intensifying competition between major powers, particularly the United States and China.

“We are witnessing a rise in protectionism and unilateralism. Unfortunately, the Trump administration’s tariffs are a reflection of that trend. We have to address this challenge collectively. Each of us may be negotiating individually with the United States, but the issue goes beyond tariffs alone,” he said.

He emphasised that ASEAN must look ahead and diversify its strategies by strengthening regional economic integration and exploring new domains such as the digital economy.

“There’s much more we can do - and ASEAN must move decisively into these new areas,” he added.

Sihasak noted that the upcoming Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Summit in Kuala Lumpur on Oct 27 offers a timely opportunity for member states to reaffirm their commitment to open trade and regional connectivity.

“RCEP has played a very important role in keeping free trade going, and we welcome the fact that at this summit, we will be raising ASEAN economic partnership to a higher level,” he said.

He added that ASEAN continues to play a pivotal role not only in ensuring regional peace and security but also in promoting stability beyond the region through the ASEAN-led architecture.

“Here in Kuala Lumpur, we will have summits with our key partners - China, the United States, Japan, South Korea, and Australia, making this one of the most important strategic gatherings in the region.

“The East Asia Summit, in particular, provides a unique platform for leaders to address key regional and global issues of common concern,” he noted.

Malaysia, which holds the ASEAN Chairmanship under the theme “Inclusivity and Sustainability”, will host the 47th ASEAN Summit from Oct 26 to 28, bringing together leaders from ASEAN and dialogue partners including the United States, China, Japan, South Korea, and India.

Other prominent leaders expected to attend include Chinese Premier Li Qiang, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, European Council President António Costa, and Japan’s Sanae Takaichi.

-- BERNAMA