At the 20th East Asia Summit (EAS) held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim emphasized the importance of sustained dialogue and regional cooperation — urging member nations to continue engaging with Myanmar and North Korea despite ongoing challenges.
As the current Chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Anwar announced Malaysia’s plans to invite all 27 minority groups and opposition parties from Myanmar for inclusive engagement sessions ahead of the country’s upcoming elections on December 28. The initiative aims to foster open dialogue and ensure that every voice — regardless of political standing — is heard in shaping Myanmar’s democratic future.
Myanmar’s planned elections, the first since the 2021 military coup that ousted Aung San Suu Kyi’s civilian government, have been widely criticized by human rights observers as potentially unfair. Yet, Anwar urged the international community to respect Myanmar’s sovereignty while encouraging internal reforms and humanitarian support.
He further revealed that Myanmar’s junta chief, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, has agreed to ASEAN’s two preconditions for humanitarian assistance following the devastating earthquake earlier this year — an immediate ceasefire and unrestricted access to ASEAN field hospitals. While acknowledging that some violence persists, Anwar highlighted measurable progress over the past year.
Reaffirming his commitment to dialogue, Anwar noted:
“We may not share all of his [Min Aung Hlaing’s] views, but continued engagement and humanitarian assistance are essential. Let Myanmar conduct its state affairs through its national mechanisms, but with inclusivity and fairness.”
On North Korea, Anwar urged member nations to sustain “some form of engagement,” even amid rising tensions over recent ballistic missile launches. He stressed that isolating the nation would only deepen global divisions.
Addressing the South China Sea disputes, Anwar reiterated ASEAN’s collective stance that regional differences must be resolved without external interference — a sentiment that underscores Malaysia’s long-standing advocacy for peaceful diplomacy and regional self-determination.
Turning to the Gaza conflict, the Prime Minister urged the EAS countries to closely monitor the 20-point peace plan proposed by the United States under President Donald Trump, emphasizing the need for a sustainable and just resolution for Palestine. The peace framework, which has gained support from several Arab and Muslim-majority nations, was highlighted as a crucial step toward long-term stability in the Middle East.
As the EAS celebrates its 20th anniversary, Anwar reminded leaders that cooperation and open dialogue remain the backbone of progress. “We must not give up on communication,” he said. “Even when it is difficult — especially when it is difficult — that is when engagement matters most.”
This year’s EAS gathering brought together ASEAN member states alongside strategic partners from the United States, China, Japan, India, Russia, Australia, New Zealand, and South Korea, reaffirming its role as one of the region’s most vital diplomatic platforms for peace and development.
