Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim brought the 47th Asean Summit to a close, marking the end of Malaysia’s chairmanship and paving the way for the Philippines to assume the leadership role in 2026.
In his closing address, Anwar said it had been a “privilege” to host leaders from across Southeast Asia and beyond, describing the year’s discussions as “intense and illuminating”.
Besides leaders from all 11 Asean Member States – including Timor-Leste, the bloc’s newest member – Malaysia also welcomed US President Donald Trump, Chinese Premier Li Qiang, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Japan’s newly elected Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa also attended the Asean Summit and Related Summits.
The gathering saw the signing of a ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodia, hailed as a breakthrough in regional diplomacy.
Anwar called on Asean to remain guided by reason and steadiness in an increasingly uncertain world. Quoting William Shakespeare, he cautioned against being “passion’s slave”, saying Asean must be “governed by reason, steadfast amid the stirrings and frenzies of the hour”.
“That must be Asean’s way if we are to endure,” he said, highlighting the revival of dialogues and partnerships during Malaysia’s chairmanship. “We have shown that Asean’s machinery, when guided by patience and reason, still works.”
He acknowledged that while no chairmanship or even a generation could right every wrong, Asean’s unity had held firm despite challenges.
“Some crises will persist; some lives remain shadowed by fear and want. Yet history seldom leaps. It bends, slowly, through the will, labour and sheer stubbornness of those who refuse despair.
“I am nonetheless proud that even where we have faced differences and debates, we have remained whole. Centrality, though not soaring above the skies, is still alive and well. Things are not falling apart, and the centre still holds. What matters is that each act of courage, each small step, brings our region closer to hope and justice.”
Anwar thanked fellow member states, dialogue partners and the Asean Secretariat for their “perseverance, patience and cooperation”, saying their support had turned “words into progress”.
In a ceremonial handover, Anwar passed the Asean chairmanship to the Philippines, effective Jan 1, 2026. He expressed confidence that Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr would guide the bloc with “clarity, composure and that warmth and poise for which the Filipino people are known”.
Quoting Philippine national hero José Rizal, Anwar added: “It is a useless life that is not consecrated to a great ideal. It is like a stone wasted on the field without becoming part of any edifice.”
Before closing the summit, Anwar paid tribute to the officials, volunteers and Malaysians who supported the year’s events.
“You welcomed our guests with warmth, adapted to every disruption and reminded the region that hospitality is not just our custom but our character.”
In his remarks, Marcos Jr said the Philippines was honoured to take on the responsibility of leading Asean from 2026.
“We are committed to carrying forward your momentum and to implementing, in our first year, the Asean Community Vision 2045 with purpose and results.
“We remain dedicated to facilitating Timor-Leste’s full integration into the Asean family. The Philippines will continue to strengthen our peace and security foundations, build prosperity corridors and advance people empowerment. These priorities will serve as our compass, guiding Asean towards a future where peace, prosperity and people remain at the heart of all we say and do.”
Main image: Anwar hands over the ceremonial gavel to Marcos Jr., symbolising the passing of the Asean chairmanship.
