Kuala Lumpur: The ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) should serve as an instrumental partner in advancing ASEAN's community-building agenda, according to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Anwar highlighted the critical role that AIPA can play in facilitating the realisation of the people's aspirations, driving progress across ASEAN's three foundational pillars, and enhancing the region's preparedness and resilience.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar stated that national parliaments and congresses are pivotal in promoting inclusive growth and building a sustainable ASEAN community, with their decisions significantly influencing regional negotiation and policy-making. He stressed the importance of AIPA being encouraged and exposed to the workings and materials of ASEAN, noting, "Every decision made by Parliament or Congress will inevitably affect the course of the negotiation."

Anwar made these remarks during his opening speech at the ASEAN Leaders' Interface With Representatives Of AIPA session, held as part of the ongoing 46th ASEAN Summit. Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul, who is also the 46th AIPA president, was present at the session.

The Prime Minister also advocated for AIPA's continued commitment to addressing issues such as food security, climate change, digital transformation, and inclusive economic development. He emphasized the importance of the people's voice, expressed through their elected representatives, in shaping regional decisions.

The 46th ASEAN Summit is being conducted under Malaysia's 2025 Chairmanship theme, 'Inclusivity and Sustainability.' This event marks Malaysia's fifth term as ASEAN Chair, following its previous terms in 1977, 1997, 2005, and 2015. In conjunction with the summit, two significant high-level engagements-the 2nd ASEAN-GCC Summit and the inaugural ASEAN-GCC-China Summit-will be convened to advance regional and inter-regional cooperation.