Anwar said Malaysia was no longer content with being a mere spectator in the shifting world economic order as the nation was stable and Asean had become more empowered.

He said the government had tamed inflation in 2024 while reducing unemployment and stabilising the ringgit.

Anwar, who is also finance minister, added that Malaysia had achieved record highs in job creation while Bursa was Asean’s best-performing stock market.

“Our foreign direct investments are historic and are leading the region in the areas of semiconductors and data centres. In 2025, we want to double down on our geographical centrality as a conduit for electricity, talent, and supply chain diversification.

“At the same time, we want to refine our expertise in oil and gas, semiconductors, and Islamic finance so that we can be global market leaders in each field.

“It’s our neutrality and openness to partnerships that make us a natural hub for all,” he said at the opening of the Malaysian Economic Forum at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre today.

Anwar said Malaysia and Asean had the rare opportunity of a divergence opening among economic superpowers, allowing them to work across multilateral platforms to achieve economic pluralism.

“Malaysia’s chairmanship of Asean comes at this opportune moment. As Asia becomes the centre of the global economy, Asean is projected to be the fourth-largest economic bloc in the world.

“The lion’s share of global growth will stem from a combination of Asean, India, and China, resulting in a burgeoning middle class and a growing influence over decision-making,” said the prime minister.