COMMENT | Last week, on May 26, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, representing Malaysia, this year’s Asean chair, made a historic announcement: Timor-Leste will become a full member of Asean at the 47th summit this October.

To many Malaysians, it may have seemed like a routine diplomatic development. In truth, it reflects the spirit of a nation steadfast in its pursuit of recognition, sovereignty, and a rightful place in the regional community.

Timor-Leste’s accession follows a 14-year journey, from its application in 2011 to attaining observer status in 2022. Beyond these formal milestones lies a deeper and more powerful narrative of hope - one shaped by resilience, solidarity, and the striving for liberation.

Few Malaysians are aware of the sacrifices made, or of the important role that Malaysian civil society activists played in supporting Timor-Leste’s path to independence and eventual integration into Asean...