At the East Asia Summit (EAS) in Kuala Lumpur today, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim urged regional leaders to persist in engaging with both Myanmar and North Korea, emphasizing diplomacy and inclusive dialogue as pathways to regional stability and peace.
As the current Chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Anwar reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to promoting peace and inclusivity in Myanmar. He revealed that Malaysia will be inviting all 27 minority groups and opposition parties from Myanmar for engagement sessions in Kuala Lumpur ahead of the country’s upcoming elections.
Myanmar, under military rule since the 2021 coup that ousted Aung San Suu Kyi’s government, is set to hold general elections on December 28. The polls, however, have drawn widespread criticism, with human rights groups labelling them a “sham.” ASEAN is reportedly still deliberating on whether to send election observers to ensure transparency and fairness.
Anwar maintained that while Myanmar’s political trajectory remains complex, it should be allowed to manage its own state affairs through its national mechanisms. He added that the junta’s leader, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, had previously agreed to two ASEAN-imposed conditions to facilitate humanitarian aid following the devastating earthquake earlier this year — an immediate ceasefire and unrestricted access to ASEAN field hospitals.
“For the past year, there has been some progress. There are still sporadic reports of violence, but not at the level we once witnessed,” Anwar stated. “We must continue engaging Myanmar, supporting humanitarian efforts, and encouraging free and fair elections.”
Anwar also urged ASEAN and its partners to maintain communication with North Korea, despite its recent missile launches, stressing that dialogue remains essential for peace and security in the region.
Touching on the South China Sea disputes, Anwar reiterated ASEAN’s position that differences should be resolved without external interference, reinforcing the importance of regional autonomy in managing maritime conflicts.
On the ongoing Gaza conflict, Anwar called upon member countries to monitor the implementation of the newly introduced 20-point peace plan, initiated by U.S. President Donald Trump, to ensure it leads to a lasting political resolution. The plan, which has received mixed reactions, is backed by several Arab and Muslim-majority nations.
The EAS Summit, now in its 20th year, gathers ASEAN member states alongside key partners — the United States, China, Japan, India, Russia, Australia, New Zealand, and South Korea. Since its first convening in Kuala Lumpur in 2005, the summit has served as a critical platform for fostering dialogue on political, security, and economic issues across East Asia.
In his closing remarks, Anwar emphasized that the path to peace and stability requires patience, inclusion, and continuous dialogue. He urged nations to look beyond short-term politics and work collectively to sustain regional harmony.
