Kuala Lampur, May 3 -- As tensions between India and Pakistan flare once more - this time ignited by the tragic killing of 26 Hindu civilians in Kashmir, allegedly by elements associated with Lashkar-e-Taiba, the world again inches perilously close to a nuclear precipice.

In a moment when major powers appear fatigued, distracted, or indifferent, Malaysia's Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim must seize a rare opening to assert leadership beyond Asean's borders. His statesmanship is needed now - not just to restore South-east Asian credibility, but to help steer the broader Indo-Pacific away from catastrophe.

Indeed, the situation in Myanmar remains dire, and Asean's credibility is at stake if it continues to falter.

Yet Malaysia ha...