Pakistan’s ASEAN Dialogue Partner Ambition to Be Discussed at Leaders’ Meeting – PM Anwar

PUTRAJAYA, June 8 – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has confirmed that Pakistan’s renewed bid to become a full dialogue partner of ASEAN will be brought to the discussion table with regional leaders.

“That matter will be brought to the ASEAN summit and discussed among the heads of government,” he briefly told reporters after performing the Aidiladha prayers at Masjid Putra here today.

Anwar’s remark comes in response to Pakistan’s expressed desire to upgrade its status from a sectoral dialogue partner to a full dialogue partner within the ASEAN framework.

Yesterday, Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Malaysia, Syed Ahsan Raza Shah, was reported as saying that Islamabad has renewed its efforts to strengthen regional cooperation by becoming a full-fledged ASEAN dialogue partner. Pakistan has been a sectoral dialogue partner since 1993 and is now seeking to deepen its engagement with the regional bloc.

Last October, Anwar had publicly expressed Malaysia’s full support for Pakistan’s bid.

When asked about Pakistan’s positive response to his offer to mediate in the India-Pakistan tensions, Anwar clarified that Malaysia’s role is limited.

“I don’t have any formal role — I merely offered my view in the interest of peace,” he said.

Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister attended the Aidiladha prayers with approximately 15,000 congregants at Masjid Putra, accompanied by his wife Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail. He arrived at 7.50 a.m. dressed in a light blue baju Melayu and was welcomed by Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Zulkifli Hasan.

Anwar participated in the takbir alongside the congregation before performing the prayers led by Putra Mosque Grand Imam Dr Muhamad Zakuwa Rodzali.

The Prime Minister also listened to a sermon titled “Korban dan Semangat Kebersamaan” (Sacrifice and the Spirit of Togetherness), which highlighted the values of intention, humility, and sincerity in performing the qurban ritual.

Before leaving, Anwar took time to greet and shake hands with the congregants, marking the spirit of unity and community on this blessed occasion.

-MelakaDaily.my