New Delhi: Ahead of the ASEAN summit meeting chaired by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Congress reminded on Sunday what the Malaysian Prime Minister had said following the passing of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh.

Congress stated that this message symbolizes the true and deep friendship that was never publicized but came from the heart. A screenshot of the post made by Anwar Ibrahim following Dr. Manmohan Singh’s passing last December was shared.

My respected and dear friend Dr. Manmohan Singh – Anwar Ibrahim

In his tribute message, the Malaysian Prime Minister wrote, “I am deeply saddened by the news of the passing of my respected and dear friend Dr. Manmohan Singh. Certainly, many tributes, articles, and books will be written about him, remembering him as the architect of India’s economic reforms.” He further stated that as Prime Minister, Dr. Singh played a crucial role in India’s emergence as a major economic power. “I was fortunate to witness the early years of this transformative period closely when we both served as finance ministers of our respective countries in the 1990s. We shared a commitment against corruption to such an extent that we collaborated on a major case,” he wrote.

Ibrahim said that whatever praise Dr. Singh receives in the coming times will be fully deserved and justified. He said, “Dr. Manmohan Singh may have appeared simple as a politician, but as a statesman, he was a symbol of integrity, stability, and determination. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations.”

Ibrahim also shared a personal anecdote in his post. He wrote, “For me, he was not just a friend, but much more than that. Very few people know this, but I now wish to share it with the Malaysian public – when I was in prison, he showed a kindness that he was neither obliged to show nor one that offered any political benefit. During that difficult time, he offered scholarships for my children, especially my son Ihsan. Although I did not accept this offer, it was proof of his extraordinary human qualities and generosity.”

“During those dark days, when I was lost in the maze of imprisonment, he stood by me like a true friend. Such quiet, compassionate, and humble actions defined him. He will always remain in my heart. Farewell, my friend, my brother Manmohan.” Prime Minister Narendra Modi is not traveling to Malaysia this time and will participate in the ASEAN summit digitally. The summit is being held in Kuala Lumpur from October 26 to 28.

Dialogue relations between ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) and India began in 1992. In December 1995, these relations transformed into full dialogue partnership and in 2002 into summit-level partnership. In 2012, India-ASEAN relations reached the level of strategic partnership. ASEAN has 10 member countries: Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, and Cambodia. In recent years, cooperation between India and ASEAN has significantly increased in the areas of trade, investment, security, and defense.

ASEAN

ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) is a regional intergovernmental organization established in 1967 to promote economic growth, social progress, and cultural development in Southeast Asia. It was founded by five original members—Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand—and has since expanded to include ten member states. Today, ASEAN facilitates regional cooperation on political, economic, and security issues, aiming to maintain stability and integration in the region.

ASEAN summit

The ASEAN Summit is the highest policy-making body of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), a regional intergovernmental organization. It is a biannual meeting where the heads of state or government of member countries convene to discuss and set policy on key regional issues, fostering economic growth, social progress, and cultural development. The first summit was held in Bali, Indonesia, in 1976, following the signing of ASEAN’s founding document, the Bangkok Declaration, in 1967.

New Delhi

New Delhi is the modern capital of India, officially inaugurated in 1931 to replace Calcutta as the seat of the British Raj. It was designed by architects Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker, featuring wide, tree-lined boulevards and grand government buildings. Today, it serves as the political center of India, housing key national institutions like the Rashtrapati Bhavan and India Gate.

Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur is the capital and largest city of Malaysia, founded in the 1850s as a tin-mining settlement at the confluence of the Klang and Gombak rivers. It has since grown into a vibrant, modern metropolis, renowned for its iconic skyline dominated by the Petronas Twin Towers. The city reflects a blend of colonial influences, Malay traditions, and modern Islamic architecture.

India

India is a South Asian country with one of the world’s oldest civilizations, dating back to the Indus Valley Civilization around 2500 BCE. It has a rich history marked by ancient empires, the development of major religions like Hinduism and Buddhism, and periods of Mughal and British rule. Today, it is the world’s largest democracy and is renowned for its cultural diversity, vibrant traditions, and historic landmarks like the Taj Mahal.

Malaysia

Malaysia is a Southeast Asian nation with a rich multicultural history shaped by indigenous cultures, centuries of trade, and periods of colonization by Portuguese, Dutch, and British powers, before gaining independence in 1957. It is known for its vibrant capital, Kuala Lumpur, home to the iconic Petronas Twin Towers, and its diverse landscapes ranging from bustling cities to pristine rainforests and beautiful islands. The country’s culture is a unique blend of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and indigenous influences, reflected in its cuisine, festivals, and traditions.

Manmohan Singh

“Manmohan Singh” is not a place or cultural site, but a distinguished Indian economist and politician who served as the Prime Minister of India from 2004 to 2014. He was the first Sikh to hold the office and is widely recognized for his pivotal role in implementing India’s economic reforms in 1991, which liberalized the nation’s economy.

Anwar Ibrahim

Anwar Ibrahim is a prominent Malaysian politician, not a place or cultural site. He has served as Deputy Prime Minister and held various ministerial positions, and after a long political career including periods of imprisonment, he became Malaysia’s 10th Prime Minister in November 2022.