Several World Leaders State Commitment To Attend 47th ASEAN Summit- PM Anwar
PUTRAJAYA, July 21 (Bernama) -- Several world leaders including those from Asia, Europe, Canada, the United States, Africa and Latin America are expected to attend the 47th ASEAN Summit scheduled to be held in Kuala Lumpur this October, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Speaking at the Prime Minister's Meeting with the Prime Minister's Department staff here today, Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, said that so far, among those who have expressed their commitment to attend are leaders from Italy, the European Union, Canada and the United States.
"It (the ASEAN Summit) will be a major international conference for Malaysia," he said.
On July 8, Anwar said several heads of government from outside ASEAN had confirmed their attendance at the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits scheduled to be held from Oct 26 to 28.
Among the leaders who have confirmed their attendance are Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, whom Anwar met in Rome on July 3, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who currently holds the position of President of the G20 Group.
Anwar also stressed that his visit abroad was not just for tourism, but rather in Malaysia's capacity as ASEAN Chairman this year, apart from fulfilling invitations from several world leaders.
"I am among the Prime Ministers who have travelled abroad the most. Coincidentally, Malaysia is ASEAN Chairman this year," he said
Expressing confidence in the services of civil servants including the national security forces based on the excellent performance shown during the recent ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and ASEAN-China Summits, Anwar is confident that the ASEAN Summit in October will be held successfully.
'If you look at the performance (of the services) of civil servants, police, Immigration Department and airports at ASEAN-GCC and ASEAN-China, I am confident in our ability to provide the best for our country,' he said.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Focus Malaysia
22 minutes ago
- Focus Malaysia
Anwar's leadership crucial in ASEAN's conflict test
THE violent border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia have thrust Malaysia's Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim into the spotlight not just as a concerned regional leader, but as the current Chair of ASEAN. With at least nine civilians dead, multiple injuries, airstrikes, and diplomatic relations downgraded, this conflict is no longer a bilateral issue but it is a regional crisis that demands a strong, strategic response. Anwar's actions now will shape both the trajectory of this conflict and ASEAN's credibility as a peace-promoting institution. So far, Anwar has taken the first step: calling for peace and reaching out to his counterparts in both countries. But expressions of concern, while important, are not sufficient. The region has already seen the cost of delayed and passive diplomacy in Myanmar. Anwar must lead ASEAN beyond this pattern of cautious disengagement. As ASEAN Chair, Anwar should immediately call for an emergency ASEAN Summit or a Special Meeting of Foreign Ministers specifically on the Thailand-Cambodia crisis. This forum would allow for ASEAN to consolidate its position and craft a unified message, one that pushes both countries toward de-escalation while offering concrete mechanisms for negotiation. Anwar should also advocate for the activation of ASEAN's long-neglected peace mechanisms particularly the High Council under the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC). This body was created to mediate disputes and prevent armed conflict among member states. By invoking the TAC, Anwar would give Thailand and Cambodia a diplomatic channel to resolve the dispute without either side appearing to back down under external pressure. Furthermore, Malaysia could push for the deployment of neutral ASEAN observers to monitor the border and ensure both sides adhere to a ceasefire, should one be agreed upon. This would be a confidence-building measure and a sign of ASEAN's seriousness in preventing further bloodshed. Malaysia's historically strong bilateral relations with both Thailand and Cambodia uniquely position Anwar to act as a trusted intermediary. While public statements are necessary, Anwar can also engage in quiet, backchannel diplomacy that offering Kuala Lumpur as a neutral ground for talks, or sending senior Malaysian diplomats as envoys to both sides. Anwar's political standing and reputation as a reform-minded leader give him the credibility to be seen as an impartial peacemaker. If anyone in ASEAN can speak frankly with both Bangkok and Phnom Penh and still maintain diplomatic goodwill, it is him. The Myanmar civil conflict should serve as a warning for Anwar and ASEAN. The regional bloc's slow, hands-off approach in that crisis allowed violence and instability to deepen. ASEAN's credibility suffered, and its 'Five-Point Consensus' remains largely unfulfilled. If similar inertia defines the response to the Thailand-Cambodia border clash, ASEAN risks further diminishing its relevance and worse, normalizing violence as a method of dispute resolution within the bloc. Anwar must ensure that ASEAN does not repeat this mistake. Unlike the Myanmar military junta, both Thailand and Cambodia remain engaged in ASEAN and have signalled interest in resolving the issue. This makes the current conflict more solvable but only with active, early intervention. This moment is not just a test for ASEAN; it is a personal and diplomatic test for Anwar. His leadership can either push ASEAN into a new era of proactive conflict management or allow it to slide further into irrelevance. By spearheading regional dialogue, activating ASEAN's mediation tools, and using Malaysia's bilateral influence wisely, Anwar can broker not just a ceasefire, but a process that de-escalates tensions in a lasting way. He can help ASEAN evolve from a passive observer to a responsible regional actor. In doing so, Anwar would not only serve Malaysia's national interest in a stable neighbourhood but he would leave a mark as a transformative ASEAN Chair who chose leadership over hesitation, peace over politics, and decisive diplomacy over delayed response. The opportunity is rare. The responsibility is great. And the time to act is now. ‒ July 25, 2025 R Paneir Selvam is the principal consultant of Arunachala Research & Consultancy Sdn Bhd, a think tank specialising in strategic national and geopolitical matters. The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia. Main image: Nation Thailand
Barnama
36 minutes ago
- Barnama
Penang Allocated Over RM30 Mln To Tamil Schools, Punjabi Education Centres
GEORGE TOWN, July 25 (Bernama) -- The Penang government has approved over RM30 million in allocations to Tamil national-type schools (SJKT), kindergartens and Punjabi education centres statewide since 2009. Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said this includes RM2.42 million disbursed this year alone, reflecting the state's commitment to strengthening Penang's education ecosystem equitably and inclusively, in line with the Penang2030 vision and Malaysia MADANI values. He said, of the total, RM1.78 million was channelled to SJKTs via Parent-Teacher Associations, RM268,100 to 14 Tamil school-affiliated kindergartens, and RM40,000 each to three Punjabi education centres. 'For the past 16 years, the Penang government has consistently provided special financial assistance to SJKTs and Punjabi education centres. 'While the amount may not be large, it reflects the state's genuine concern in supporting Tamil education institutions, particularly in addressing funding challenges for small- to medium-scale repairs,' he said. Speaking to reporters after presenting mock cheques to 28 SJKTs and Punjabi Education Centres at Komtar today, Chow said the allocations were not only for upgrading physical facilities but also to sustain and strengthen vernacular education in the state. Also present at the event was State Housing and Environment Exco Datuk Seri S. Sundarajoo, who also chairs the Penang Tamil Schools Special Committee. Chow noted that the numerous infrastructure upgrades and educational programmes have helped produce not only academically excellent students but also disciplined and competitive individuals. Meanwhile, Sundarajoo said the state government's firm commitment has led to significant progress in Tamil schools, particularly in infrastructure, with most schools now equipped with basic facilities.
Barnama
39 minutes ago
- Barnama
Thailand, Cambodia Have Agreed To A Ceasefire
GENERAL JITRA, July 25 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today said that Thailand and Cambodia had agreed to a ceasefire and to withdraw their troops from the border. Anwar said both countries had agreed but requested some time, as their troops were already stationed at the border and needed time to pull back. 'Yesterday, I had a phone conversation with the acting Prime Minister of Thailand and the Prime Minister of Cambodia, because of Malaysia's position and their respect for us. 'I'm grateful because when I spoke with them, both responded respectfully. Why? Because Malaysia is a peaceful and stable country,' he said when addressing the 2025 Anti-Drug Day Celebration here today. Yesterday, Bernama reported that the Prime Minister welcomed the positive signals and willingness shown by Bangkok and Phnom Penh in considering the implementation of a ceasefire to prevent further conflict. Anwar was reported to have contacted Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and acting Thai Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai on Thursday evening to convey Malaysia's concern over the escalating tensions. Earlier, media reports stated that Thai and Cambodian troops clashed on Thursday in the disputed border area, with both sides blaming each other for initiating the latest confrontation. Tensions between the two Southeast Asian nations have been escalating since May 28, following a deadly incident in the Preah Vihear area that claimed the life of a Cambodian soldier. The two countries have been at odds for decades over their still-undemarcated 817-kilometre border, and the dispute continues to strain diplomatic relations.
