KUALA LUMPUR - Asean is making significant strides towards real progress, with tangible implementation programmes expected in the next meeting by October this year, says Prime Minister and Asean Chairman Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Speaking about Asean's latest developments, Anwar emphasised the importance of moving beyond talks to actionable outcomes.
"We’ve achieved major progress. Now, from here, various ministers and officials will need to focus on what can be effectively implemented. By October, we want to see results," he said in a press conference after hosting the 2025 Asean Summit at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.
Highlighting the inclusion of Timor-Leste in Asean, Anwar described it as a significant breakthrough after years of stalled negotiations.
He said it was not a departure but a major progress and the prolonged deliberations over Timor-Leste have finally reached a consensus.
On economic matters, Anwar stressed the importance of balancing national interests with Asean's collective good, particularly in tariff negotiations.
"While bilateral discussions are ongoing, there’s now a consensus to ensure decisions do not come at the expense of other member states. We’re safeguarding the interests of 650 to 660 million people in Asean," he said.
The Prime Minister highlighted a renewed sense of determination and unity among Asean members.
Having been involved in Asean for a long time, he said he has never seen such a strong commitment as in the last two and a half to three years.
He said there was no choice but to take necessary actions for the benefit of all Asean members.
He also touched on Asean's focus on trade and economic agreements, including Free Trade Agreements with regions such as the Gulf Cooperation Council and the European Union.
"We know there’s more to be done, but the spirit now is to deliver more concrete outcomes so by October we want to see results," he said.
Anwar said Asean’s renewed commitment to cohesion was also evident in its handling of complex issues like the South China Sea.
He also highlighted the progress made on the Code of Conduct discussions.
He said there were meaningful and positive engagements, even between countries like the Philippines, which sometimes involved direct exchanges or went through him.
While not all issues could be resolved immediately, he said there was a new spirit of collaboration.
He added that Asean's discussions were no longer about mere declarations but about tangible benefits for its citizens.
"We’re discussing initiatives like the IMGT (Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle) with the aim of delivering real change. There’s a dramatic shift in attitude," he said.