Malaysia is stepping firmly into the global spotlight as Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announces that the country has successfully brokered a peace agreement between Thailand and Cambodia—ending a deadly border dispute that once seemed impossible to resolve.
As the current ASEAN chair, Malaysia’s leadership has been instrumental in fostering this breakthrough. Anwar confirmed today that both nations have agreed to sign the historic peace pact during the ASEAN Summit this weekend, with the ceremony set to be witnessed by US President Donald Trump and other world leaders.
“We were successful in helping solve the border dispute between Cambodia and Thailand,” Anwar said in Parliament. “The defence ministers of both countries have finalized the detailed terms, and if agreed upon, the signing will be witnessed by Trump, who also supports this resolution, as well as myself.”
Malaysia’s diplomatic influence has extended beyond this success. Under Anwar’s chairmanship, ASEAN also played a crucial role in securing Myanmar’s agreement to pause hostilities and allow humanitarian aid to flow after a devastating earthquake earlier this year.
Anwar emphasized that Malaysia’s vision for “ASEAN Centrality”—a concept that promotes regional cooperation, unity, and active engagement—has redefined the bloc’s direction. “Neutrality suggests silence,” he said. “Centrality means dialogue, effort, and collaboration even in sensitive areas. It means putting Southeast Asia’s interests above all else.”
The 47th ASEAN Summit, scheduled for October 26–28 in Kuala Lumpur, will gather leaders from all ten ASEAN member nations plus Timor-Leste, as well as global partners like the United States, China, Japan, Brazil, and Canada.
While uncertainty surrounded President Trump’s attendance, his confirmation underscores the international weight of this event—marking a major moment in Malaysia’s diplomatic history.
