Malaysia Assumes ASEAN Chairmanship: A Test of Diplomacy and Leadership
As Malaysia takes the helm of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2025, the region finds itself at a crossroads of geopolitical challenges and opportunities. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, 77, steps into this pivotal role at a time when global tensions are escalating, from Donald Trump’s tariff-driven policies to the simmering conflicts in the South China Sea and the ongoing crisis in Myanmar.
for Anwar, this moment is a culmination of a storied career marked by resilience. Having endured persecution, imprisonment, and decades in opposition, his rise to power in late 2022 marked a turning point for Malaysia. Since then, he has worked tirelessly to restore the nation’s global standing, which had been marred by years of domestic political instability. His governance’s focus on foreign relations has been evident, with high-profile visits to China, the US, India, Russia, and Turkey, among others.
But the question remains: will this be enough? The ASEAN chairmanship is no ceremonial role.It demands strategic leadership, diplomatic finesse, and the ability to navigate complex regional and global issues. As the face of ASEAN,Malaysia will host key meetings,set the agenda on critical matters like trade and security,and represent the bloc on the world stage.
ASEAN, as a collective, is a powerhouse. With a combined GDP of $3.6 trillion and a growth rate of 4.5% in 2024, it stands as the fifth-largest economy globally. Yet, its potential is often hampered by its consensus-driven decision-making process, which critics argue renders it ineffective in addressing urgent crises.
“Chairs will be judged by how they manage – or mismanage – hot button issues, of which there are plenty for Malaysia to juggle this year,” said Thomas Daniel, a foreign-policy analyst at Malaysia’s Institute of Strategic and International Studies.
The challenges are manifold. The South China Sea disputes, the Myanmar crisis, and the shifting dynamics of global trade under Trump’s policies will test Anwar’s leadership. Critics have long derided ASEAN as a “talking shop,” and Malaysia’s tenure will undoubtedly face scrutiny.
Key Challenges for Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship
Table of Contents
- Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship: Navigating Geopolitical Challenges and Leadership Opportunities
- anwar Ibrahim’s Leadership: A Turning Point for Malaysia and ASEAN
- The South China Sea: A Flashpoint for Regional Tensions
- The Myanmar Crisis: ASEAN’s Struggle for Consensus
- Global Trade Shifts: Navigating Trump’s Policies
- ASEAN’s Consensus Model: Strengths and Limitations
- Looking Ahead: Malaysia’s legacy and ASEAN’s Future
| Issue | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| South China Sea | Rising tensions over territorial disputes and maritime security. |
| Myanmar Crisis | Deepening violence and the bloc’s struggle to mediate effectively. |
| Global Trade Shifts | Impact of US tariffs and economic realignments under Trump’s policies. |
| ASEAN Consensus Model| Criticism of the bloc’s inability to act decisively on pressing issues. |
As Malaysia navigates these challenges, the world will be watching. The success of its chairmanship will not only shape the region’s trajectory but also set the tone for the next two chairs: the Philippines and Singapore in 2026 and 2027,respectively.
For Anwar Ibrahim, this is more than a diplomatic assignment—it’s a chance to cement his legacy as a leader who steered Malaysia and ASEAN through turbulent times. The stakes are high, and the spotlight is intense. Will Malaysia rise to the occasion? Only time will tell.
As Malaysia assumes the chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2025, the region faces a critical juncture. Prime Minister anwar Ibrahim, a seasoned leader with a storied political career, steps into this role amidst escalating global tensions, from trade disputes under Donald Trump’s policies to the volatile South China Sea and the ongoing crisis in Myanmar.This pivotal moment offers Malaysia a chance to showcase its diplomatic prowess and leadership on the world stage. To unpack the challenges and opportunities ahead, we sat down with Dr. Aminah Rahman, a renowned expert on Southeast Asian geopolitics and a senior fellow at the Institute of Strategic and International Studies in Kuala Lumpur.
anwar Ibrahim’s Leadership: A Turning Point for Malaysia and ASEAN
Senior Editor: Dr. Rahman, thank you for joining us. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s rise to power in 2022 marked a significant shift for Malaysia. How do you see his leadership shaping Malaysia’s role as ASEAN chair?
Dr. Aminah Rahman: Thank you for having me. Anwar Ibrahim’s leadership is indeed a turning point. His resilience and decades-long experience in politics have positioned him as a unifying figure, both domestically and regionally. As ASEAN chair, Malaysia under Anwar’s leadership has the possibility to restore its global standing and strengthen ASEAN’s collective voice. His focus on foreign relations, evident in his high-profile visits to key global players like china, the US, and India, demonstrates his commitment to fostering multilateral ties. Though, the real test will be how he navigates the complex challenges ASEAN faces today.
The South China Sea: A Flashpoint for Regional Tensions
Senior Editor: One of the most pressing issues is the South China Sea. How do you see Malaysia addressing the territorial disputes and maritime security concerns during its chairmanship?
Dr. Aminah Rahman: The South China Sea remains a flashpoint for regional tensions. Malaysia’s approach will need to balance assertiveness with diplomacy. As chair, Malaysia can play a crucial role in facilitating dialogue among ASEAN members and external powers like China and the US. The key will be to uphold international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), while ensuring that ASEAN’s unity is not compromised. This is no easy task, but Malaysia’s ancient neutrality and pragmatic foreign policy could serve as an asset in mediating these disputes.
The Myanmar Crisis: ASEAN’s Struggle for Consensus
Senior Editor: The Myanmar crisis has been a persistent challenge for ASEAN. How can Malaysia,as chair,address this issue effectively?
Dr. Aminah Rahman: The Myanmar crisis is perhaps the most complex issue ASEAN faces. The bloc’s consensus-driven model has often been criticized for its inability to act decisively. Malaysia’s chairmanship will need to find a delicate balance between maintaining ASEAN’s unity and pushing for meaningful progress in Myanmar. This could involve engaging with all stakeholders, including the military junta, the National Unity Government, and ethnic groups, while also working with international partners like the UN. malaysia’s moral authority, given Anwar’s own history of fighting for democracy, could lend credibility to these efforts.
Senior Editor: With the potential return of Donald Trump to the US presidency, how might his trade policies impact ASEAN, and how can malaysia mitigate these challenges?
Dr. Aminah Rahman: Trump’s tariff-driven policies could significantly disrupt global trade,and ASEAN,as a major trading bloc,would not be immune. Malaysia’s chairmanship will need to focus on strengthening regional economic resilience. This could involve accelerating the implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and exploring new trade partnerships.Additionally, Malaysia can advocate for a more inclusive global trade framework that protects the interests of developing economies. The key will be to position ASEAN as a stable and attractive hub for investment,even amidst global uncertainties.
ASEAN’s Consensus Model: Strengths and Limitations
senior Editor: Critics frequently enough describe ASEAN as a “talking shop” due to its consensus-driven model. How can Malaysia address these criticisms during its chairmanship?
Dr. Aminah Rahman: The consensus model is both a strength and a limitation. It ensures that all member states have a voice, but it can also lead to inaction on urgent issues. Malaysia’s challenge will be to streamline decision-making processes without undermining ASEAN’s unity. One approach could be to focus on smaller, achievable goals that build momentum for larger reforms. additionally, Malaysia can leverage its chairmanship to enhance ASEAN’s institutional capacity, making it more responsive to emerging challenges.Ultimately, the success of Malaysia’s tenure will depend on its ability to balance inclusivity with efficiency.
Looking Ahead: Malaysia’s legacy and ASEAN’s Future
Senior editor: Dr. Rahman, what legacy do you think Malaysia’s chairmanship could leave for ASEAN, and how might it influence the next chairs, the Philippines and Singapore?
Dr. Aminah Rahman: Malaysia’s chairmanship has the potential to set a new benchmark for ASEAN leadership. If Anwar Ibrahim can navigate these challenges effectively, it will not only cement his legacy as a transformative leader but also strengthen ASEAN’s role on the global stage. The success of Malaysia’s tenure will provide a strong foundation for the Philippines and Singapore, who will chair ASEAN in 2026 and 2027, respectively. It’s a high-stakes moment, but also an opportunity to demonstrate ASEAN’s relevance and resilience in an increasingly complex world.
Senior Editor: thank you, Dr. Rahman, for your insightful analysis. It’s clear that Malaysia’s ASEAN chairmanship will be a defining moment for both the country and the region.
Dr. Aminah Rahman: Thank you. It’s a challenging but exciting time for ASEAN, and I’m optimistic about the possibilities ahead.
