He said deputy prime minister Alexander Novak will represent Putin, Bernama reported.

“President Putin has confirmed that he’s not coming. He is exploring the possibility of coming the following year,” Anwar said at a media briefing ahead of the 47th Asean Summit.

The confirmation ends days of speculation over Putin’s possible visit after he had previously told Anwar he was “seriously considering” attending the regional gathering.

The three-day summit, to be held from Oct 26 to 28, is expected to be the largest gathering of world leaders, including US president Donald Trump, alongside leaders from Asean member states.

Anwar also confirmed that Myanmar’s acting president senior general Min Aung Hlaing will not be attending the summit, reiterating the bloc’s firm adherence to the five-point consensus on the country’s political crisis.

On another note, Anwar praised Japan for its proactive support in the reconstruction of Gaza following the recent ceasefire.

On another development, Anwar said cross-border online scams will again feature prominently at the summit, as Asean leaders seek stronger collective action to address the growing transnational threat.