Malaysia to become Asean chair in 2025, Anwar to chair meetings for preparation

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim will chair every periodic meeting related to Malaysia's preparedness to assume the Asean chair in 2025, aimed at enhancing the country's image on the global stage.

This was shared by Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan immediately after a special two-hour meeting to launch the Asean-Malaysia 2025 chairpersonship at the Perdana Putra building today, which was chaired by Anwar.

“We held the early launch meeting because we want to make thorough and meticulous preparations to be the chair (of Asean) later. This is not the first time we are chairing; the last time (we chaired) was 10 years ago in 2015.

“But now, in 2025, various new challenges must be addressed and agreed upon among Asean countries,” he told reporters after the meeting.

He said that in preparation for Malaysia’s takeover, three main clusters were established - political, defence and citizenship cluster under the Foreign Affairs Ministry, the economic and trade cluster under the Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry and the cultural and social cluster under the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry.

Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan

Mohamad said that other ministries would be placed under the leadership of these clusters in planning and executing any Asean-sponsored programmes or activities chaired by Malaysia.

These include aspects such as themes, logo design, logistics and accommodation for foreign leaders during the programme, he said.

He also said in the upcoming periodic meetings, each cluster would present its work status to assess whether the plans were progressing according to schedule.

“All ministries know their respective roles, and they have presented what they want to do. Five to six directions have been given as a guide.

“We want to see that the work is done together and not in silos,” Mohamad said.

He added that Laos would hand over the Asean chair baton for 2025 at the Asean Summit from Oct 8 to 11.

- Bernama