Sharp, essential news and analysis from Malaysia.
Myanmar's government has indicated that the Asean Chair's Special Envoy position may no longer be necessary now that an elected administration has assumed power, rejecting what it views as interference in domestic judicial matters.
Vietnamese President To Lam has praised the deepening relationship between Vietnam and Malaysia, highlighting robust political exchanges and accelerating economic ties that have become central to both nations' regional strategies.
Myanmar's ex-junta chief Min Aung Hlaing is visiting Thailand to rehabilitate his standing in the region. The trip marks his first journey to a neighbouring country since adopting civilian dress, part of a broader diplomatic campaign to restore Myanmar's position within Asean despite ongoing civil war.
Bahrain's Ambassador to Malaysia says both nations are deepening strategic ties across multiple sectors, supported by royal leadership and coordinated efforts on regional security challenges.
Cambodia's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn will visit Malaysia from August 3 to attend the third Cambodia-Malaysia Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation meeting, with planned discussions covering multiple sectors and bilateral cooperation.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim attributes Malaysia's selection to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix to the country's political stability, strong ties between Sultan Ibrahim and Bahrain's King, and successful ASEAN chairmanship.
Asean has formally called for the restoration of safe transit through the Strait of Hormuz, citing mounting economic and security concerns from the Middle East conflict during ministerial meetings in Manila.
Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand emphasised regional partnership and resilience during ASEAN meetings in Manila, addressing supply chain vulnerabilities, artificial intelligence governance, and intensifying strategic competition reshaping the Asia-Pacific.
Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio at an Asean foreign ministers' gathering, reaffirming bilateral ties and advancing discussions on security, trade, and Myanmar's regional engagement.
Brunei's Foreign Minister Prince 'Abdul Mateen has urged closer regional collaboration to address food and energy vulnerabilities, speaking at three major Asian diplomatic forums in Manila this week.
Egypt and Russia are intensifying their strategic partnership through multiple joint ventures, including a logistics corridor for grain and petroleum, completion of nuclear power plant construction, and planned seasonal flights to boost tourism between the nations.
ASEAN's foreign ministers convened with 11 dialogue partners in Manila this week, prioritising energy and food security amid regional tensions. The US committed $1.5 billion in strategic investment, while Britain's new foreign secretary urged diplomatic solutions to the Iran conflict threatening regional economies.
Four European countries have been admitted to ASEAN's Treaty of Amity and Cooperation, marking a significant expansion of the bloc's diplomatic reach and affirming international confidence in its peace-building agenda.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Philippine counterpart Theresa Lazaro are scheduled to meet this week at an Asean gathering in Manila, marking their first diplomatic encounter in two years as tensions mount over South China Sea claims and regional geopolitics.
Malaysia's Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan has arrived in Manila to lead the Malaysian delegation at the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting, where regional crises and Myanmar's situation will dominate discussions until Thursday.
Southeast Asian diplomats convene in Manila this week for high-stakes talks on the Iran conflict, Myanmar's civil war and South China Sea tensions, with US, Chinese and Russian officials attending the annual Asean ministerial meeting.
The Philippines is hosting the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting from July 20-24, bringing together regional and dialogue partners to address pressing issues including human rights promotion, nuclear non-proliferation, and territorial disputes in the South China Sea.
Thailand's concerns about Chinese-made tanks supplied to Cambodia lack credibility when Bangkok possesses vastly superior military capabilities and has repeatedly conducted offensive operations across the border.
Malaysia's Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan will attend the Asean Ministers Meeting in Manila this week, balancing national campaign duties with diplomatic responsibilities. The gathering focuses on South China Sea negotiations and Myanmar's intractable political crisis.
The Philippines reports that Thailand and Cambodia continue to honour their May commitment to resolve longstanding border tensions through dialogue, marking progress in ASEAN-led conflict resolution.
Vietnam has committed to working with ASEAN to support Myanmar's recovery and stability, marking the bloc's highest-level engagement with the country since 2021.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim hosted Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam during a three-day state visit to Malaysia, with discussions centred on strengthening economic and diplomatic relations between the two nations.
The Philippines has backed a more flexible implementation of ASEAN's Five-Point Consensus on Myanmar, emphasising that the framework must evolve to reflect actual conditions while remaining the bloc's primary peace mechanism.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has stressed that resolving Myanmar's ongoing political crisis requires inclusive dialogue involving all parties, while respecting the country's people's right to self-determination.
Prime Ministers Anwar Ibrahim and Anutin Charnvirakul delivered an impromptu musical performance of Frank Sinatra's 'My Way' during an official luncheon in Putrajaya, following bilateral talks between Malaysia and Thailand.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has underscored Malaysia's belief that dialogue and regional cooperation are essential to resolving Myanmar's protracted political crisis, with Thailand positioned as a pivotal partner in advancing such efforts.
Thailand's Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has arrived in Malaysia for a two-day official visit to deepen bilateral relations and explore enhanced cooperation in agriculture and cross-border infrastructure between the neighbouring countries.
Myanmar's President Min Aung Hlaing concluded a three-day state visit to Laos, formalising expanded cooperation through tourism partnerships and city twinning arrangements as both nations mark seven decades of diplomatic relations.
Myanmar's military regime has again rebuffed Asean's request to meet Aung San Suu Kyi, now 81, signalling it views the regional grouping as powerless. The junta's selective access—permitting only Thai and Chinese officials to visit—reveals its true strategic priorities.
Malaysia has guaranteed Belgium that the South China Sea will remain open to maritime traffic, with Deputy Prime Minister Fadillah Yusof emphasizing ASEAN's commitment to regional peace and neutrality despite global shipping concerns.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has pledged deeper cooperation between Malaysia and the Boao Forum for Asia, focusing on trade, investment, digital innovation, and regional resilience amid global uncertainties.