Kuala lumpur: Malaysia has reinforced ASEAN's stature as a more cohesive and influential regional bloc, following the forthcoming formal admission of Timor-Leste and the growing international recognition of the organisation as world leaders convene in Kuala Lumpur for the 47th ASEAN Summit.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, geostrategist Prof Dr Azmi Hassan emphasized that Malaysia played a key role in supporting Timor-Leste's entry into ASEAN, a move that strengthens regional unity and prevents external influence on the new member's foreign policy.
Prof Dr Azmi Hassan stated that Malaysia's proactive diplomacy as ASEAN Chair under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim demonstrated leadership that expanded ASEAN's relevance beyond regional issues. He highlighted Malaysia's role in brokering a ceasefire during the Thailand-Cambodia conflict, reflecting its commitment to ASEAN unity and centrality.
The analyst also pointed out that under Malaysia's chairmanship, ASEAN included references to the Gaza conflict in its official declaration for the first time, signaling the bloc's growing engagement in global humanitarian issues. Furthermore, Malaysia proposed a permanent ASEAN envoy to monitor the Five-Point Consensus on Myanmar, reflecting a renewed determination to uphold democracy within the bloc.
Dr Azmi noted that Malaysia's diplomatic outreach has drawn strong global attention, evidenced by the expected presence of US President Donald Trump and other world leaders at the Kuala Lumpur summit. He remarked that global respect for Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim translates into greater recognition for ASEAN.
Meanwhile, Associate Professor Dr Mazlan Ali from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia's Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities emphasized Malaysia's credibility as a peace broker in the region. He highlighted Malaysia's preference for negotiation and consensus, which earns respect from both ASEAN and the wider international community.
Dr Mazlan also mentioned that Malaysia's strong support was crucial in the process of Timor-Leste's inclusion, which marks ASEAN's first expansion in more than two decades. He suggested that Malaysia could serve as a bridge, connecting developed ASEAN members with emerging ones to narrow development gaps across the region.
Timor-Leste, having been granted observer status in 2022, will formally be admitted as the bloc's 11th member on October 26, in conjunction with the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits. The event will be held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre from October 26 to 28, under Malaysia's ASEAN Chairmanship 2025, themed 'Inclusivity and Sustainability'.
Prominent global leaders, including Chinese Premier Li Qiang, Brazilian President Luiz In¡cio Lula da Silva, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, European Council President Antonio Costa, and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, are among the over 20 global leaders scheduled to attend. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to attend via an online platform.