Kuala Lumpur: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's credibility and personality will be a key factor in proving Malaysia's capability as the ASEAN Chair to enhance the bloc's image and subsequently bring its voice to the global stage. A professor at the Department of Communication, International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), Prof Datuk Seri Dr Syed Arabi Idid, emphasized that Anwar possesses all the necessary skills to lead ASEAN, thereby strengthening the collective voice of the bloc and elevating it to a higher level.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Prime Minister has excellent public speaking skills, is highly proficient in English, and is supported by Malaysia's capabilities as a member of the Commonwealth and the OIC (Organisation of Islamic Cooperation). Prof Syed Arabi Idid noted that Anwar can leverage Malaysia's history of strong ties as a member of both the Commonwealth and OIC to benefit ASEAN as a whole. During the 2025 World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Summit in Davos, Switzerland, Anwar, who is also the Minister of Finance, delivered a joint statement on behalf of the 10-nation bloc, addressing challenges, potential, and the freedom to make decisions.
On Malaysia's role as ASEAN Chair in strengthening the bloc's direction, Syed Arabi suggested that, in addition to continuing previous plans and decisions, several other aspects could be enhanced. These include promoting ASEAN's image as a neutral bloc with business potential. He highlighted the importance of continuing good cooperation with China and showing ASEAN's stance towards the new administration of the United States under President Donald J. Trump. ASEAN, with its neutral stance and investment potential, presents itself as a unit the United States might find necessary, particularly given its population of nearly 700 million.
Syed Arabi also shared findings from a survey conducted by the IIUM Electoral Studies Research Unit. The survey revealed that 94 percent of Malaysians are proud of the country's responsibility as ASEAN Chair. The survey, titled Public Perception on Current Issues, involved 5,488 respondents from various demographics, with 80 percent expressing interest in learning about ASEAN-related matters.
Meanwhile, Institute of Public Relation Malaysia (IPRM) president Jaffri Amin Osman stated that the ASEAN Chairmanship period should be leveraged to advance Malaysia's interests. He highlighted the potential role of the private sector, including business companies, entrepreneurs, and universities, in promoting ASEAN within Malaysia and taking advantage of existing opportunities to embed themselves within the ASEAN landscape.
Laos handed over the ASEAN Chairmanship to Malaysia on October 11 last year during the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits and Related Meetings in Vientiane. Malaysia, which has adopted the theme 'Inclusivity and Sustainability', officially assumed the ASEAN Chairmanship starting January 1 this year. Founded on August 8, 1967, ASEAN is currently comprised of 10 Southeast Asian countries, with Timor-Leste's accession still in process.