In a significant diplomatic breakthrough, Malaysia has emerged as a key peace broker in Southeast Asia, with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announcing that Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to sign a long-awaited peace pact to resolve their border conflict.
The historic signing is expected to take place at the upcoming ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur this weekend — witnessed by world leaders including U.S. President Donald Trump.
Anwar, speaking in Parliament today, confirmed Malaysia’s instrumental role as ASEAN Chair in facilitating dialogue between both nations, whose border tensions had previously turned violent.
“We were successful in helping solve the border dispute between Cambodia and Thailand,” said Anwar. “The defence ministers of both nations have finalized the terms, and the signing will be witnessed by President Trump and myself. It’s a proud moment for ASEAN diplomacy.”
Malaysia’s influence extends beyond this peace deal. Anwar revealed that under Malaysia’s chairmanship, Myanmar’s military junta agreed to halt fighting temporarily and allow humanitarian aid into conflict-affected regions — particularly crucial after a devastating earthquake hit the country earlier this year.
This year’s ASEAN leadership under Malaysia has seen a strong emphasis on what Anwar termed “ASEAN Centrality” — a principle encouraging deeper cooperation and collective problem-solving across the region.
“We moved away from neutrality because it implies silence,” Anwar explained. “Centrality means active engagement — talking, listening, and solving issues together. It’s about putting the region first.”
The 47th ASEAN Summit, set for October 26–28, will host leaders from the 10 ASEAN nations and Timor-Leste, alongside major global partners from the U.S., China, Japan, Brazil, and Canada. Trump’s attendance — once uncertain — underscores Washington’s renewed interest in Southeast Asian diplomacy.
At its heart, this event isn’t just about signatures on paper. It’s about nations choosing dialogue over division, cooperation over conflict. Malaysia’s steady hand, guided by Anwar’s belief in unity and engagement, continues to inspire hope that peace is not just possible — but achievable when humanity leads diplomacy.
