29/10/2025

WEDNESDAY | OCT 29, 2025

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Ű BY IKHWAN ZULKAFLEE , HARITH KAMAL AND KIRTINEE RAMESH

Anwar defends Asean relevance, achievements o Focus on solid economic fundamentals attracts major powers and investors to bloc, says PM

ASEA ASEAN SUMMIT 2025 HIGHLIGHTS AN SUMMIT 2025

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KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has defended Asean’s relevance and achievements amid criticism that the bloc remains ineffective, adding that it continues to stand out as one of the most peaceful and fastest-growing regions in the world. Speaking at the close of the 47th Asean Summit, he said Malaysia’s

He reaffirmed Malaysia’s neutral stance on regional security, adding that no foreign military presence would be allowed to act provocatively in Malaysian waters. “Our maritime policy is consistent with Asean centrality... engaging all, without aligning against anyone.” Anwar said Malaysia’s balanced and moderate foreign policy, engaging both the United States and China as well as other global partners, was aimed at safeguarding the nation’s image, economy and people’s welfare. “Some say we are too close to China, others say we welcome America too much. But we maintain good ties with everyone because trade and investment from these countries benefit Malaysians.” He described the inclusion of Timor Leste as Asean’s 11th member as a “historic and emotional moment”, adding that Malaysia fully supports its admission regardless of economic status. On Myanmar, Anwar reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to the Asean Five-Point Consensus, saying Putrajaya’s engagement with both the military leadership and other stakeholders helped reduce violence. “The situation is far from ideal, but fewer massacres and displacements are happening now compared with two or three years ago.” Anwar also dismissed criticism over the presence of United States President Donald Trump at the summit, adding that the occasion was used to convey Malaysia’s firm stand on Palestine. He said he had a private four-eye discussion with Trump inside the US presidential limousine. “I told him directly, thank you for stopping the attacks (ceasefire), but a comprehensive solution must include recognising the rights and sovereignty of the Palestinian people.” the closing day. Smaller medical posts were also set up at hotels hosting world leaders, all supported by 30 ambulance teams stationed around summit venues and hotels. “Each ambulance has five medical personnel, a specialist, a doctor, two paramedics and a driver. Our coverage begins at KLIA and continues throughout their stay.” In total, 512 Health Ministry personnel were on duty under three divisions – the Medical Team, providing on-site care and emergency response, the Food Safety Team, monitoring kitchens at venues and hotels, and the Public Health Team, overseeing disease control, outbreak prevention and vector management. “These teams worked hand in hand with logistics and operations units across KLCC and participating hotels.” From the command centre, ambulance movements were tracked in real time through the Government Integrated Radio Network to coordinate swift responses. “Officers were strategically placed to remove patients so the summit flow was not disrupted.”

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chairmanship had built upon the bloc’s longstanding record of stability and cooperation. “What is critical in any regional body is to secure peace, and Asean is now considered one of the most peaceful regions in the world.”

CAMBODIA-THAILAND PEACE ACCORD SIGNED

Brazil and Russia back Malaysia as potential full member of BRICS.

He also said Asean’s focus on solid economic fundamentals made it one of the fastest-growing regions globally, attracting major powers and investors alike. “Because it is peaceful, it has enormous potential to propel economic growth. We have made progress, including on the Asean Power Grid, connectivity and intra-Asean trade and investments.” He said Malaysia had sought to broaden Asean’s outreach beyond its traditional partners, adding that the bloc should not overlook Africa and Latin America. “We consider them great friends. Both President Lula da Silva (Brazil) and President Cyril Ramaphosa (South Africa) are my friends, and we want to deepen investment ties with them.” On the absence of a joint statement from the East Asia Summit, Anwar said the lack of consensus reflected current global tensions but also demonstrated Asean’s continued commitment to engagement. “They may agree or disagree, but the consensus within Asean is to ensure there is engagement. We should not stop engaging.” KUALA LUMPUR: As world leaders gathered for the Asean Summit, the Health Ministry’s medical operations quietly emerged as one of the most vital yet unseen pillars ensuring the high-profile event ran seamlessly. Health Ministry Medical Protection Unit deputy director Dr Muhammad Yunus Tauhid Ahmad said his team handled nearly 480 cases since the summit began on Oct 21, from mild fevers to minor injuries, all without disrupting proceedings. “Our services cover everything from basic treatment to life-threatening emergencies. Everyone comes through us first, it is like a hospital front line.” Two medical centres operated at the venue, one for delegates and another exclusively for VVIPs such as ministers and heads of state. The VVIP centre offered added privacy and security, complete with CPR and intubation equipment, defibrillators and emergency drugs. “So far, most cases have been mild... fever, cough, sore throat or stomachache. “A few heart and asthma cases were referred to hospitals, along with minor falls and motorcade related injuries,” Muhammad Yunus told theSun on

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THESUN GRAPHICS BY HARITH KAMAL

Malaysia officially passes chairmanship to Philippines

KUALA LUMPUR: The curtain came down on the 47th Asean Summit and Related Summits yesterday as Malaysia officially handed over the Asean chairmanship to the Republic of the Philippines, marking the close of a year of major milestones in regional cooperation and diplomacy. During the closing ceremony at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim symbolically passed the Asean gavel to Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, whose country will assume the chairmanship beginning Jan 1, 2026. In his closing remarks, Anwar reflected on Asean’s resilience amid global uncertainty, adding that the bloc must“be steadfast amid the stirrings and frenzies of the hour”. “That must be Asean’s way if we are to endure,” he said, urging member states to remain guided by reason, patience and unity in addressing regional challenges. He said no single chairmanship could right every wrong, but persistence and shared purpose would ensure progress. He also praised Asean leaders for their “collective courage and steady commitment” in steering the region closer to hope and justice. Turning to his counterpart, Anwar expressed confidence that Asean would continue to act with “clarity, composure and the warmth and poise for which the Filipino people are known”. Quoting Jose Rizal, he added: “It is a useless life that is not consecrated to a great ideal, like a stone wasted on the field without becoming part of any edifice.” In response, Marcos commended Malaysia’s “steady hands and warm hospitality”, adding

that Anwar’s leadership proved that Asean achieves its greatest progress “when vision is matched with pragmatism”. “As your chairship concludes, the Philippines is honoured to take on the responsibility of leading Asean from 2026. “We are committed to carrying forward your momentum and implementing the Asean Community Vision 2045 with purpose and resolve.” He said the Philippines’ upcoming chairmanship, themed “Navigating Our Future Together,” would focus on peace, prosperity and people as the pillars of Asean’s shared journey. “The Philippines will continue to fortify our peace and security anchors, strengthen our prosperity corridors and advance people empowerment,” he said, adding that Asean’s integration must translate into tangible benefits for citizens. Marcos also reaffirmed support for Timor Leste’s integration into Asean. He said the bloc’s strength lies in dialogue, adherence to international law and cooperation amid “a defining moment marked by both promise and complexity”. “With our collective resolve, let us navigate into our future together.” The summit ended with the adoption of several key documents and agreements, including the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accord between Cambodia and Thailand and the launch of Asean Vision 2045: Our Shared Future. This is Malaysia’s fifth time leading Asean since the bloc’s establishment in 1967, following its previous chairmanships in 1977, 1997, 2005 and 2015.

Health Ministry services vital to summit