KUALA LUMPUR, 10 September 2025 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has instructed all Cabinet ministers and their deputies to suspend overseas travel with immediate effect, in order to prioritise preparations for the upcoming Budget 2026 and the 47th ASEAN Summit next month.
The directive was announced by Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil following Wednesday’s Cabinet meeting. He said exceptions will be allowed only for prior commitments that cannot be rescheduled, or for matters specifically approved by the Cabinet.
“This is to ensure all ministers prioritise ongoing programmes and preparations for Budget 2026, which will be tabled by the Prime Minister on October 10,” Fahmi told reporters. He added that the same directive also applied to preparations for the ASEAN Summit, which will take place in Kuala Lumpur at the end of October.
The 47th ASEAN Summit is expected to be a high-profile event, with several world leaders scheduled to attend, including U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese Premier Li Qiang. For Malaysia, the gathering offers both diplomatic opportunities and organisational challenges, as Kuala Lumpur seeks to showcase its leadership within ASEAN while navigating complex geopolitical dynamics.
Analysts note that Anwar’s travel freeze reflects his government’s determination to ensure ministers remain fully engaged in domestic priorities. Budget 2026 will be closely watched by investors and the public for measures aimed at sustaining growth, managing subsidies, and reinforcing Malaysia’s fiscal stability. At the same time, hosting the ASEAN Summit will place Malaysia in the diplomatic spotlight, requiring extensive coordination across ministries to ensure smooth execution.
The temporary suspension is therefore being framed as both a practical measure and a signal of focus, underscoring the administration’s intent to deliver a successful budget and a landmark regional summit.
