Anwar Ibrahim: Malaysia's Diplomatic Arbiter in Troubling Times

Wed Oct 29 2025 09:32:33 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a crucial moment for Malaysia's international relations, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim orchestrates a peace deal between Thailand and Cambodia, deepening ties with the US while facing internal challenges.

Amid rising costs and political polarization, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is emerging as a key player on the international stage. His recent diplomatic efforts involving a peace deal between Thailand and Cambodia have strengthened US-Malaysia relations, yet growing domestic unrest over economic issues poses significant challenges to his leadership. Despite a tumultuous political career, Anwar's strategic maneuvers may define his term as PM, while demands for inclusive governance test his administration's stability.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim recently found himself in the spotlight when he greeted US President Donald Trump during his visit to Kuala Lumpur, where the two leaders signed a pivotal agreement to reduce tariffs on Malaysian exports to the US.

Anwar's humor was on display as he joked with Trump about his own past imprisonment, a light-hearted moment that belied the weight of the diplomatic discussions at hand. The decision to lower tariffs from 24% to 19% has been welcomed amid fears of rising economic pressures.

Integral to the visit was Anwar's orchestration of a peace deal aimed at resolving tensions between Thailand and Cambodia, which thrust him into a leadership role in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The fragile ceasefire, brokered following Trump's threat to impose tariffs should clashes continue, was seen by some as a diplomatic victory for Malaysia.

Anwar's path to this moment has been fraught with challenges. The 78-year-old has endured a convoluted political career characterized by resilience and determination. After joining the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) in the early 1980s, he rose to prominence as a deputy to then-Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad. However, political fallout led to his imprisonment in the late 1990s and subsequent accusations he maintains were politically motivated.

His return as a strong opposition figure culminated in a historic coalition victory in 2018, although political maneuvering within the coalition led to his delayed ascension to the Prime Ministership until 2022. Now, with Malaysia facing rising living costs and social unrest, Anwar's administration must navigate the tensions between fostering economic stability and promoting an inclusive, multi-ethnic Malaysia.

Recent protests highlight the dissatisfaction among Malaysians regarding the government's efforts to combat inflation and economic inequality. With the cost of living rising, public discontent has reached a boiling point, leading to large-scale demonstrations demanding reform and accountability.

Despite these hurdles, Anwar's international standing has improved since taking office. His diplomatic engagements and the peace deal with Cambodia and Thailand are seen as steps to enhance Malaysia's influence in the region. Furthermore, his support for the Palestinian cause has resonated well at home and serves to bolster his domestic political positioning.

As he continues to refine his foreign policy, particularly with the US and its ongoing influence in Southeast Asia, his ability to maintain a balance between external relations and internal pressures will be critical for his future and for the nation’s stability ahead of the next general election in 2028.