Philippines' Marcos Hails Malaysia’s Proactive Role In Steering ASEAN Amid Global Challenges
By Linda Khoo & Nur Atiq Maisarah Suhaimi
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 29 (Bernama) -- Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr has commended Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, describing it as “a very full agenda” that reflects Kuala Lumpur’s proactive role in steering the bloc through global challenges.
“He (Anwar) was able to complete most, if not all, of what he had planned to… He kept us all busy.
“The inclusion of Timor-Leste as a full member of ASEAN is a significant step. It is consistent with our (ASEAN) desire to be inclusive and to have as many partners as we can,” he said in an exclusive interview with Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) Editor-in-Chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj.
Marcos was in Kuala Lumpur to attend the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits which concluded on Tuesday.
He also called on ASEAN to look beyond its traditional partners and engage new countries that share its vision for regional peace, stability, and cooperation.
He noted that ASEAN’s expanding network under the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC) reflects the region’s growing diplomatic reach, extending beyond its partners and full members.
“We have many allies that have signed the TAC, and that remains an area we continue to develop,” he said.
He added that ASEAN should focus on engaging “non-traditional partners” in trade, geopolitics, and diplomacy to remain relevant and resilient, a necessary step to drive ASEAN’s aspirations forward in an uncertain world shaped by geopolitics, climate change, and rapid technological development.
Marcos said relations between the Philippines and Malaysia have evolved significantly, underscoring the importance of trust and open communication between both leaders.
Describing his relationship with Anwar as “open and easy,” he said such rapport has enabled both sides to address bilateral matters with transparency and mutual respect.
“On a personal level, we are friends. But we do not allow those other issues to get in the way of what we think is necessary for moving forward,” he said.
Diplomatic ties between the Philippines and Malaysia date back to 1959, when Manila established its delegation in Kuala Lumpur, upgraded to a consulate in 1964. Since then, both countries have maintained mutual respect and cooperation.
Malaysia officially handed over the ASEAN Chairmanship to the Philippines on Tuesday, with Anwar symbolically passing the gavel to Marcos, setting the stage for Manila’s stewardship in 2026.
-- BERNAMA
