ASEAN centrality is a privilege that must be continuously earned, rather than an inherent right, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Speaking at the ASEAN Future Forum in Hanoi, Vietnam, he emphasised that the 10-member bloc must reinforce its agency and strategic autonomy amid shifting geopolitical landscapes.
“We often hear calls for ASEAN to strengthen and reinforce its centrality to continue exercising its agency and strategic autonomy. However, ASEAN must always bear in mind that centrality is not a right, but a privilege that has to be earned and re-earned in the context of changing contingencies,” Anwar stated.
Anwar, who is also Malaysia’s finance minister, warned that ASEAN’s centrality holds little weight without cohesion among its members.
“It counts for little when there is no cohesion among member states, when we let internal differences and priorities divide us,” he said.
The prime minister underscored ASEAN’s position as one of the world’s most peaceful and fastest-growing economic regions, stressing the importance of maintaining stability and unity.
“We are very fortunate because we are in a region which is the most peaceful in the world and where it is the fastest-growing economy in the world. In this era of rivalry and division, ASEAN must shine as a beacon of hope, fostering a sustainable, harmonious, and economically dynamic region,” he added.
Highlighting Malaysia’s commitment to equitable economic development, Anwar said sustainability and inclusivity must be the foundation of ASEAN’s progress.
“We must commit to ensuring that no nation within ASEAN is left behind in the pursuit of economic growth,” he said. “ASEAN’s strength lies in its ability to unify, gel together through dialogue, and act as a cohesive economic bloc, leveraging its collective potential to navigate future uncertainties.”
