By TENGKU NOOR SHAMSIAH TENGKU ABDULLAH
PUTRAJAYA, Dec 5 – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called for a blend of intellectual excellence and empathy as Malaysia prepares to lead ASEAN in 2025. Addressing the staff during the monthly gathering at the Ministry of Finance this morning, Anwar emphasized the need for civil servants to embody these qualities to ensure success during Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship.
“I stressed the significance of acquiring diverse knowledge to broaden our understanding. However, this knowledge is not solely for personal benefit but to improve work performance with empathy and dedication,” the Prime Minister shared in a Facebook post.
A Leadership Grounded in Empathy
Anwar’s vision for Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship extends beyond technical expertise and policy execution. His emphasis on empathy highlights the need for leadership that understands and prioritizes the well-being of the people it serves. As ASEAN nations face challenges such as income inequality, social divides, and climate crises, Malaysia’s leadership must address these issues not just with solutions but with a deep sense of compassion and inclusivity.
Empathy is also central to Malaysia’s domestic governance philosophy, reflecting its broader aspirations for the region. By encouraging civil servants to adopt this mindset, Anwar is setting the tone for leadership that is as human-centric as it is strategic.
Rising to the ASEAN Challenge
The 2025 ASEAN Chairmanship presents Malaysia with an opportunity to guide the regional bloc through complex global issues. Building on a legacy of leadership, including the creation of the ASEAN Vision 2020 and the ASEAN Economic Community, Malaysia is expected to champion initiatives that strengthen regional unity, economic resilience, and sustainability.
Anwar’s call for civil servants to rise to this challenge with “excellence and empathy” underscores the importance of blending competence with care. Public service must reflect not only technical proficiency but also a commitment to addressing the needs and aspirations of diverse communities across the ASEAN region.
A Holistic Approach to Leadership
The Prime Minister’s message also aligns with Malaysia’s broader diplomatic goals. In addition to economic growth and geopolitical stability, the ASEAN Chairmanship will require Malaysia to lead discussions on humanitarian aid, environmental protection, and digital transformation—all areas where empathy plays a vital role in ensuring inclusive outcomes.
Anwar’s focus on compassion in governance serves as a reminder that leadership is not just about achieving milestones but about doing so in a way that uplifts and unites. As Malaysia prepares to take the ASEAN helm, this balance of excellence and empathy will be key to its success in navigating the challenges and opportunities ahead.
This approach, rooted in visionary leadership and a people-first philosophy, positions Malaysia to set a new benchmark for ASEAN leadership in 2025.
PM Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim attended the monthly gathering at MOF in Putrajaya, where he greeted the staff warmly – Picture credit AFIQ HAMBALI/Prime Minister’s Office.
- TNS News