Kuala lumpur: Malaysia has demonstrated its capability as a regional leader with the well-organised and impactful hosting of the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits, highlighting the nation’s credibility as the 2025 ASEAN Chair, according to political and policy analysts.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Negeri Sembilan Branch senior lecturer Dr Muhamad Fuad Abdul Karim stated that Malaysia carried a consistent message anchored in the principle of regional neutrality, aligning with the ASEAN 2025 Chairmanship theme, ‘Inclusivity and Sustainability’. He emphasized Malaysia’s focus on not only its national development but also on driving progress among other ASEAN countries. Major achievements under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim included the signing of the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accord between Thailand and Cambodia, and Timor-Leste’s admission as ASEAN’s 11th member.
Dr Muhamad Fuad noted that ASEAN’s next challenge lies in ensuring the implementation of agreements and outcomes from the summit, particularly in advancing economic and technological cooperation across the region. He suggested that Malaysia’s state-owned company Petronas could collaborate with less developed countries such as Timor-Leste and Myanmar to support their nation-building.
The presence of United States President Donald Trump was highlighted as having a positive impact on Malaysia’s and ASEAN’s global image. Dr Muhamad Fuad likened Trump to an ‘influencer’ for ASEAN, noting his positive response to Malaysia’s hospitality, which showcased the region as a culturally rich tourism destination.
Professor Dr Farha Abdol Ghapar from Universiti Poly-Tech Malaysia praised Malaysia’s organizational efficiency as host, despite initial perceptions and speculation about Trump’s attendance. She commended the Prime Minister for managing the situation calmly, deeming the summit a success.
Dr Muhamad Azwan Abd Rahman of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia remarked that Trump’s visit opened a new chapter in bilateral relations through reciprocal agreements offering mutual benefits. He attributed this to the Prime Minister’s soft diplomacy, which brought the United States closer to ASEAN. Malaysia achieved smoother pathways for the semiconductor sector and managed to keep tariffs below 19 per cent for over 1,700 products.
Institute of Strategic and International Studies Malaysia chairman Datuk Prof Dr Mohd Faiz Abdullah described the summit as a major success in many aspects. He highlighted achievements in logistics and significant outcomes, including the trade agreement with the United States and progress in resolving the Thailand-Cambodia border conflict. These accomplishments have strengthened ASEAN’s voice as a dominant global bloc, supported by its position as the world’s fourth-largest economy.