Author: Danial Rahman
Published: 17 Jan 2025
As Malaysia steps into the rotating role of chair of the Association of Southeast Nations (ASEAN) in 2025, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s vision for the regional bloc comes at a crucial time. Against the backdrop of the geopolitical shifts, rising trade tensions, economic uncertainty, and climate crises that are reshaping Southeast Asia, Anwar will have to guide ASEAN toward a stronger, more cohesive and globally relevant future.
This marks the first time since 2015 that Malaysia is chairing ASEAN, which makes it a poignant reminder of how much – as well as how little – things have changed in a decade. Back then, Anwar was still incarcerated due to politically charged allegations, a chapter that underscores the challenges of justice and democracy in the region even today.
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