Anwar Fails ASEAN, Cambodia and Thailand
Anwar Ibrahim’s tenure as ASEAN chair was supposed to mark a new chapter for the regional bloc. The Malaysian Prime Minister promised bold reforms, moral leadership, and stronger unity. Instead, his chairmanship has been defined by diplomatic failures, missed opportunities, and eroding trust among member states. The ongoing border conflict between Cambodia and Thailand, coupled with ASEAN’s weak handling of recent US tariffs, underscores the ASEAN chair’s failure to lead effectively.
Missteps in the Cambodia-Thailand Crisis
The most glaring example of Anwar’s failure came with the resurgence of hostilities between Cambodia and Thailand in July 2025. The dispute, centered around the Preah Vihear and Ta Muen Thom temples, has escalated into full-scale military conflict. Artillery exchanges, drone strikes, and ground operations have displaced over fifty thousand civilians and caused multiple casualties.
As ASEAN chair, Anwar attempted to mediate by calling for a ceasefire and urging dialogue. Initially, both sides showed some interest in talks. But Thailand abruptly withdrew from any ASEAN-led efforts, insisting on bilateral negotiations instead. This sidelined the bloc entirely and left ASEAN with no leverage.
Anwar’s decision to name former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra as an informal advisor further inflamed tensions. Thaksin’s controversial political past and close ties to Bangkok undermined any perception of neutrality. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, the son of former strongman Hun Sen, viewed this move as proof that Anwar favored Thailand.
To make matters more complex, Thailand’s current Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, is Thaksin’s daughter. The crisis now appears as a confrontation between two political dynasties. In such a sensitive situation, ASEAN needed a neutral and trusted mediator. Anwar, by aligning himself with Thaksin, lost Cambodia’s trust and weakened ASEAN’s role.
ASEAN’s Credibility Crumbles
ASEAN’s foundational principles of consensus and non-interference have long been obstacles to decisive action. Yet, there was hope that Anwar would challenge these outdated norms and steer the bloc toward greater relevance. Instead, his leadership has produced the same tired formula: statements without substance and diplomacy without results.
No emergency summit was convened. No peacekeeping force was proposed. ASEAN’s response has remained passive while violence continues. Cambodia is now considering taking the issue to the United Nations, bypassing ASEAN altogether. This would mark a devastating vote of no confidence in the bloc and in Anwar’s leadership.
Other ASEAN members have largely remained silent. Without direction or unity, the bloc appears fractured. Anwar’s inability to bring members together or inspire coordinated action highlights the deep trust deficit surrounding his leadership.
Tariff Tensions
The security crisis is not the only test Anwar has failed. Earlier in 2025, the United States imposed harsh new tariffs on Southeast Asian imports. This move affected multiple ASEAN economies, threatening exports and regional trade balances.
Rather than leading a unified ASEAN response, the Malaysian PM allowed each country to react on its own. No joint statement was released. No collective negotiation was proposed. ASEAN, under his leadership, missed a critical opportunity to assert its economic influence on the global stage.
Diplomats and analysts across the region noted that no leader seemed willing to rally behind Anwar. The lack of cohesion in the face of an external threat further confirmed what many already suspected: regional leaders no longer trust his words or his leadership. Even in the recent East Asian Ministers Summit, no statement was issued on the conflict.
Anwar Only Talks Reform?
Anwar Ibrahim promised reform, unity, and moral leadership during Malaysia’s ASEAN chairmanship. Instead, he has delivered weak diplomacy, misaligned priorities, and fractured regional trust. From the bloody border conflict between Cambodia and Thailand to the missed opportunity on US tariffs, Anwar’s tenure has shown that words alone cannot lead a region. ASEAN needs strength and impartiality. Unfortunately, under Anwar as its Chair, it gets neither.
