Anwar’s ASEAN Chairmanship Shines, Yet Challenges Persist

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has leveraged Malaysia’s chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2023 to enhance both his and the country’s global standing. Analysts note that while Anwar has showcased his diplomatic skills during the recent ASEAN Summit held from October 26 to 28, questions remain about whether concrete progress has been made on key issues such as trade, the ongoing conflict in Myanmar, and territorial disputes in the South China Sea.

Despite the high-profile discussions at the summit, many significant agreements were reached bilaterally rather than through ASEAN’s established mechanisms. Khoo Ying Hooi, a political analyst from Universiti Malaya, described Anwar’s leadership as “symbolically strong but substantively mixed.” She acknowledged that Anwar has restored ASEAN’s visibility during a time of geopolitical fragmentation but emphasized that real achievements, particularly regarding Myanmar, remain elusive.

Diplomatic Efforts and Global Engagement

Anwar’s tenure as chair has been marked by notable diplomatic engagements, including a welcome for Donald Trump, who attended the summit for the first time since 2017. This move aimed to elevate Malaysia’s profile on the international stage. Political scientist Syaza Shukri from the International Islamic University Malaysia remarked that Anwar effectively showcased Malaysia as a host for world leaders, enhancing ASEAN’s visibility.

The summit featured leaders from various nations, including Chinese Premier Li Qiang, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Anwar’s ability to navigate the complexities of geopolitical rivalries, particularly between the US and China, demonstrated his experience as a seasoned politician.

A significant moment occurred when Trump presided over a joint declaration on peace and security between Thailand and Cambodia, which aimed to ease tensions that had escalated into military clashes earlier this year. Trump praised Anwar for his role in facilitating this agreement during a period of heightened conflict.

ASEAN’s Role in Global Diplomacy

Despite the diplomatic advances, analysts express concerns about ASEAN’s effectiveness in fostering substantive outcomes. Many crucial agreements, such as trade deals, were negotiated outside of the ASEAN framework, leading to skepticism about the bloc’s role as a facilitator in major negotiations. Joanne Lin from the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute highlighted that while ASEAN has become a meeting ground for global powers, it often lacks the agency to influence significant deals directly.

The recent ASEAN summit marked the return of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) gathering, which had not occurred for five years. This trade pact, which includes all ASEAN members except Timor-Leste, represents the world’s largest trade bloc, aiming to promote economic cooperation among its members.

Anwar emphasized the importance of ASEAN’s engagement with external partners, asserting that the bloc’s centrality is reflected in the agreements reached during the summit. However, some trade deals, particularly those with the US, have drawn criticism for favoring American interests over those of ASEAN member states.

While Anwar’s international diplomacy has garnered praise, its impact on his domestic political standing appears mixed. Opposition parties have capitalized on public sentiment regarding Trump’s visit, leading to protests and criticism of Anwar’s welcoming approach. Former Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin labeled the reception for Trump as “inappropriate,” given the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Analysts suggest that while Anwar’s global presence may have enhanced his reputation abroad, it has not significantly shifted domestic perceptions. Azmi Hassan, a senior fellow at the Nusantara Academy for Strategic Research, noted that while international appearances may bolster Anwar’s status, the overall domestic response has remained largely unchanged.

As Anwar prepares to hand over the ASEAN chairmanship to Ferdinand Marcos Jr. of the Philippines in 2026, the effectiveness of his leadership in addressing regional challenges will continue to be scrutinized. The upcoming year will be pivotal as ASEAN navigates complex geopolitical dynamics and strives to assert its role in global affairs.