PUTRAJAYA, MALAYSIA Oct 24, 2025 – Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Friday expressed appreciation for a memorandum submitted by a coalition of 16 non-governmental organizations (NGOs), which voiced strong support for Malaysia’s proactive engagement in ASEAN-US cooperation and its advocacy for justice in Gaza.
The memorandum was handed over to Anwar immediately after he led Friday (Jumaat) prayers with congregants at Surau Al Quddus, PPAM Saderi in Precinct 16, Putrajaya. It was presented by Ahmad Fahmi Mohd Samsudin, President of the Malaysian Islamic Youth Movement (ABIM), on behalf of the group.
In the document, the NGOs affirmed their full endorsement of the government’s position and initiatives to capitalize on opportunities arising from ASEAN-United States collaboration, particularly in light of the upcoming 47th ASEAN Summit scheduled for the end of this week.
The coalition also reiterated backing for Malaysia’s continued role as a regional hub for peace and dialogue. It called on the government to clearly amplify the voice of the Malaysian people on the international stage, while firmly rejecting any policies that perpetuate the oppression of Gaza’s residents amid the ongoing crisis.
Anwar, in a statement issued shortly after the handover, highlighted his gratitude for the “concern and spirit of solidarity” demonstrated by various parties. He noted that such gestures align seamlessly with Malaysia’s resolute commitment to upholding justice and humanitarian principles on the global front.
“These expressions of support strengthen our collective resolve to champion fairness and compassion in an interconnected world,” Anwar said.
The 47th ASEAN Summit, set to convene in Vientiane, Laos, is expected to feature high-level discussions on economic resilience, security cooperation, and geopolitical challenges, with enhanced US-ASEAN ties anticipated to feature prominently. Malaysia, as an active ASEAN member, has positioned itself as a vocal proponent of multilateralism and human rights.
The NGO coalition’s involvement underscores growing civil society engagement in shaping Malaysia’s foreign policy priorities, especially on pressing issues like the Palestinian cause, which has drawn widespread domestic support.
Anwar’s office has yet to announce further details on how the memorandum’s recommendations will be integrated into summit preparations, but officials described the interaction as a positive reflection of national unity.
