Kuala Lumpur: As the Chair of ASEAN 2025, Malaysia aspires to set a new standard for global governance, revolving around long-lasting values, of inclusivity, diversity and future-oriented planning. Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said Malaysia is committed to advancing the priorities of ASEAN, with the people at the heart of its efforts.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, these efforts are modelled on Malaysia’s MADANI rates and principles. While meetings have been held across the three pillars of the ASEAN Community over the past few months, Malaysia is preparing for more significant gatherings in the future. Mohamad Hasan stressed these points during his speech at the Foreign Ministry’s breaking of fast program with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Present at the event were Anwar’s wife, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, and members of the diplomatic corps, along with Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) Chief Executive Officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin and Editor-in-Chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj.
Mohamad emphasized Malaysia’s commitment to collaborating with its partners to ensure the chairmanship continues to strengthen and benefit the people of ASEAN and the broader global community. Malaysia assumed the ASEAN Chairmanship on January 1, 2025, succeeding Laos, under the theme “Inclusivity and Sustainability.” This reflects Malaysia’s aspiration to build a united and prosperous ASEAN. This marks Malaysia’s fifth time as ASEAN Chair, having previously held the role in 1977, 1997, 2005, and 2015.
ASEAN, founded on August 8, 1967, currently comprises 10 Southeast Asian nations: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. Timor-Leste’s full membership is still being processed. Meanwhile, Mohamad highlighted Malaysia as a nation built on diversity, where different cultures and religions coexist harmoniously. He noted that the practice of sharing Iftar (breaking of fast) exemplifies this harmony, as friends and neighbors from all backgrounds come together to experience the spirit of Ramadan.
Mohamad added that the holy month of Ramadan teaches unity through shared experiences, with mutual respect and compassion forming the foundations of a peaceful society. He stated, “Tonight, we celebrate the values of inclusivity and solidarity that define Malaysia.”