Malaysia’s Diplomatic Foothold in 2025
Malaysia has entered 2025 with a firm foothold in international diplomacy, showcasing its pivotal role as Chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
A Productive Week for Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim
The past week has been a power-packed and highly productive one for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. In addition to managing national agendas, Anwar hosted consecutive visits by leaders from Singapore, Indonesia, and Japan.
Bilateral Meetings and Agreements
During his meeting with Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong in conjunction with the 11th Malaysia-Singapore Leaders’ Retreat, the two leaders discussed mutual interests, reinforced the deep-rooted cooperation between their nations, and reaffirmed their commitment to addressing key bilateral issues. A significant highlight of the meeting was the formalisation of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), hailed as a transformative initiative ushering in a new era of economic collaboration between Malaysia and Singapore.
On Thursday, Anwar welcomed Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto, who arrived in Kuala Lumpur that morning. The two leaders held a closed-door discussion during a private lunch at the iconic Rumah Tangsi. Despite the brevity of Prabowo’s working visit, their camaraderie was evident.
ASEAN Chairmanship
Anwar later told reporters that he and Prabowo had a heart-to-heart discussion on various issues of mutual interest. Indonesia has pledged to assist and cooperate with Malaysia in its ASEAN Chairmanship this year. Wong and Prabowo were initially scheduled to visit Malaysia last month, but their plans were postponed due to unexpected circumstances. Nevertheless, their visits last week took place at an opportune time.
Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia are three of the five founding member states of ASEAN, established in 1967. The other two are the Philippines and Thailand. Today, ASEAN membership has expanded to 10 countries.
Japanese Prime Minister’s Visit
Another significant event was the official visit of Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba to Malaysia, marking his first trip to the country since assuming office in October last year. Notably, Malaysia was selected as the destination for his first overseas bilateral trip, reflecting Japan’s recognition of Malaysia’s strategic importance.
International Affairs Analyst’s Perspective
International affairs analyst Prof Dr Azizuddin Mohd Sani noted that, as ASEAN Chair, Anwar is showcasing Malaysia’s readiness to leverage its diplomatic finesse and leadership to guide the regional grouping in addressing the increasingly complex regional and global challenges. Anwar’s strong personal and working relationships with foreign leaders also serve as a key advantage in enhancing Malaysia’s diplomatic influence on the global stage.
ASEAN Meetings and Programmes
This weekend, the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Retreat will convene on the resort island of Langkawi, officially marking the start of series of ASEAN meetings to be held under Malaysia’s chairmanship. Malaysia will host over 300 key meetings and programmes across the country throughout the year under the theme "Inclusivity and Sustainability".
Conclusion
Malaysia’s diplomatic efforts in 2025 have been marked by a series of high-level meetings and agreements with key regional and global partners. As ASEAN Chair, Malaysia is well-positioned to shape regional cooperation and address pressing issues facing the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is ASEAN?
A: ASEAN stands for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, a regional intergovernmental organization that aims to promote economic growth, social progress, and cultural development in the region.
Q: Who is the current ASEAN Chair?
A: Malaysia is the current ASEAN Chair, with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim leading the country’s efforts to shape regional cooperation and address pressing issues facing the region.
Q: What are the key issues facing ASEAN?
A: The key issues facing ASEAN include boosting intra-trade, increasing economic growth, safeguarding regional peace and security, and dealing with the ongoing crisis in Myanmar.