Kuala lumpur: It has certainly been a defining week for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as he notched double wins at the diplomatic and economic fronts, which even his opponents would find difficult to fault.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar brokered a ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia, orchestrating a diplomatic breakthrough, and then made a call to United States President Donald Trump at 6.50 am. Anwar received plenty of messages from world leaders congratulating him on the handling of the potentially dangerous conflict between the two neighboring countries.
This week was a huge test for him as the Chair of ASEAN, but he pulled off magnificently by bringing the leaders of Thailand and Cambodia to Kuala Lumpur for a dialogue. Officials from the US and China, two important players in the region, were present to observe the talks, highlighting Malaysia's successful neutral posture.
Trump reportedly intervened in the ceasefire negotiations by threatening both parties with heavy tariffs, but Malaysia's central role in mediating the agreement provided it with diplomatic capital. Concurrently, Malaysia achieved an economic respite as the US agreed to reduce steep tariffs that had threatened Malaysia's export-driven economy. Originally, Washington had threatened Malaysia with reciprocal tariffs of up to 25 percent, but the rate was lowered to 19 percent, offering relief to Malaysia's key sectors, especially electronics and palm oil.
Anwar's conversation with Trump was well-prepared, but as many world leaders know, an element of uncertainty can be expected when dealing with Trump, considering some US allies have ended up with high tariffs. The successful handling of both cases demonstrated strategic diplomacy carried out with precision and personal charm, traits Anwar is known for.
Thai veteran journalist Kavi Chongkittavorn wrote that Anwar has now positioned himself as a peacemaker. 'ASEAN is doing a somersault. It just needs decisive leadership,' he noted, emphasizing Anwar's success in involving the US and China, as both superpowers rarely collaborate on anything these days.
These achievements are not just wins for Anwar's government; they underscore the capacity of middle powers like Malaysia to shape outcomes through engagement rather than posturing. On the economic front, Malaysia secured the same 19 percent tariff as Indonesia and the Philippines. However, in Jakarta and Manila, there is reported dissatisfaction for conceding too much to Trump.
Malaysia held its ground, refusing to compromise on its Bumiputera policy during negotiations. For the protestors demanding Anwar's resignation, this week's developments illustrated the significance of leadership, even if they do not grasp the intricacies of tariffs or ceasefires.