KUALA LUMPUR, May 8 — Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim reaffirmed Malaysia’s strong commitment to strengthening ASEAN unity in addressing increasingly complex global challenges, particularly geopolitical crises that have directly impacted energy security, food security, and the stability of regional supply chains.
Speaking at the 48th ASEAN Summit today, he stressed that no country could confront the ongoing global uncertainties alone, underscoring the need to further reinforce collective cooperation and regional solidarity within ASEAN.
Anwar said Malaysia also expressed support for accelerating the ASEAN Power Grid initiative, strengthening regional petroleum security mechanisms, and expanding strategic cooperation networks, including through ASEAN-GCC-China collaboration, to ensure long-term energy resilience.
On food security, he said ASEAN must take more decisive action through the coordination of emergency food stockpiles and the strengthening of the ASEAN Plus Three Emergency Rice Reserve (APTERR) mechanism to shield the region from food inflation and supply disruptions.
He also emphasised that the safety of ASEAN citizens in conflict areas must remain a shared priority among member states. According to him, ASEAN should intensify information sharing, diplomatic cooperation, and emergency response mechanisms to safeguard the welfare of ASEAN citizens abroad.
Anwar stressed that ASEAN must continue to serve as a platform for regional stability, inclusiveness, and resilience amid growing global uncertainty and intensifying geopolitical competition.
— MINUTESMY
— SOURCE: FB ANWAR IBRAHIM
