Kuala Lampur, July 4 -- As Malaysia's Asean Chairmanship under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim reaches its midpoint in 2025, a more rigorous appraisal is necessary.

Malaysia's efforts, including championing Timor Leste's entry into Asean and orchestrating the successful Asean-GCC-China Economic Summit from May 23 to 27, have drawn wide praise.

But the real question remains: what structural reforms or regional frameworks have been solidified to ensure Asean's strategic direction is not only symbolic, but sustainable?

Too often, Asean's Group Chairmanship has been assessed through a ceremonial lens - the number of summits hosted, joint communiques released, or bilaterals scheduled.

These are valid barometers, but insufficient. T...