Latest news with #AseanChairmanship
Malay Mail
2 days ago
- Business
- Malay Mail
All must understand horizontal and vertical integration of Asean — Phar Kim Being and Luthfy Hamzah
JULY 5 — As Malaysia's Asean Chairmanship under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim reaches its midpoint in 2025, a more rigorous appraisal is necessary. Malaysia's efforts, including championing Timor Leste's entry into Asean and orchestrating the successful Asean-GCC-China Economic Summit from May 23 to 27, have drawn wide praise. But the real question remains: what structural reforms or regional frameworks have been solidified to ensure Asean's strategic direction is not only symbolic, but sustainable? Too often, Asean's Group Chairmanship has been assessed through a ceremonial lens — the number of summits hosted, joint communiqués released, or bilaterals scheduled. These are valid barometers, but insufficient. The more substantive measure should be how well the Chair understands and executes horizontal and vertical integration of Asean's regional architecture. All analysts must apply these metrics too, rather than focus solely on perennial issues such as tensions between Thailand and Cambodia or the South China Sea. These challenges will always be present for Asean and the related summits to address. A more scientific approach lies in understanding the horizontal and vertical integration of Asean. Horizontal expansion: Lessons from the past Since its founding on August 8, 1967, Asean's trajectory has been defined by periodic expansions. Brunei Darussalam joined in 1984, marking the second major phase of Asean's evolution after the original five members: Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand. Brunei, with its stable polity and hydrocarbon wealth, added value to Asean without posing internal or sub-systemic challenges. But the subsequent inclusion of Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos and Vietnam (CMLV) between 1997 and 1999 — often praised as the third horizontal expansion — brought deeper and more enduring complications. Despite the noble intentions of 'One Vision, One Identity, One Community,' the development gap between maritime Southeast Asia and continental Indochina remains unresolved. The Myanmar conundrum alone continues to haunt Asean. Each Group Chair, including Malaysia in 2025, inherits the same headache. The Five-Point Consensus forged in Jakarta during Brunei's 2021 chairmanship remains unfulfilled, especially its first commitment: a cessation of violence. In 2025, the Group Chair, namely Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, has had to employ quiet diplomacy, leveraging Thailand's channels to engage both Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and hold a separate online dialogue with the National Unity Government (NUG) of Myanmar. Though there were indications of the Tatmadaw's willingness to consider a longer ceasefire process, Malaysia was unfairly criticised for 'legitimising' the military junta — a criticism that ignores the humanitarian collapse inside Myanmar, compounded by a devastating earthquake and the rise of cybercriminal syndicates. Indeed, the rise of 'scamdemics' — criminal activities involving fraud, online scams, and forced labour in digital slavery — has become an alarming security and reputational threat to Asean. The United Nations now estimates these cross-border operations generate nearly US$70 billion annually. With operations rooted along the porous frontiers of Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and increasingly northern Thailand, these groups have undermined regional tourism and trust. Eighty to ninety per cent of mainland Chinese tourists now shun Thailand, especially Bangkok and Chiang Mai, citing safety concerns — an invisible but potent cost to Asean's brand equity. Another horizontal expansion: PNG? Indonesia's President Prabowo Subianto recently suggested at the Asean Summit in Kuala Lumpur that Papua New Guinea (PNG) could be embraced into Asean in the future. PNG, after all, has long been an observer of the Asean Regional Forum — a status shared by Timor Leste. This could potentially mark Asean's fourth horizontal expansion, pushing the bloc further into the Pacific. PNG shares land borders with Indonesia's Papua province. However, before enlarging the tent again, Asean must first ensure the house is in order. This is where vertical integration becomes the essential litmus test for a mature and future-ready Asean. Since its founding on August 8, 1967, Asean's trajectory has been defined by periodic expansions. — AFP pic Vertical integration: The real test of Asean Centrality The Asean Charter, adopted in 2008, enshrines the principle of Asean Centrality — the notion that Asean must lead in shaping the region's norms, policies, and institutional interactions. However, the substance of this centrality lies not in speeches or summitry, but in the actual vertical integration of institutions and systems. For example, AseanPOL must evolve beyond annual meetings into a transnational enforcement mechanism. It should resemble INTERPOL in its interoperability, facilitating real-time cooperation among national police forces to counter transnational crimes, human trafficking, cyber fraud, and illegal contraband. The recent surge in digital slavery and trafficking scams has exposed glaring holes in Asean's policing capabilities and inter-agency coordination. Similarly, strategic infrastructure such as the Asean Power Grid and the Trans-Asean Railway Network — both longstanding items on Asean's master plans — cannot succeed without policy alignment and skilled labour mobility. These megaprojects require a liberalised flow of blue- and white-collar workers across Asean borders. But current barriers, including immigration bottlenecks, labour certification issues, and mutual recognition gaps, continue to inhibit such mobility. Moreover, vertical integration demands digital interconnectivity. Asean aspires to be a single digital market, and Malaysia aims to be its AI-driven digital hub. This requires seamless internet backbone connections, cybersecurity protocols, and regulatory harmonisation across the region. In today's Fourth Industrial Revolution, data is power — and Asean must secure and synchronise its digital governance accordingly. Here, Malaysia has a real chance to lead. As Group Chair, it must accelerate Asean's mastery of the six As of the digital age: Artificial Intelligence, Automation, Algorithm, Apps-driven economy, Augmented Reality, and Analysis of Big Data. From blueprint to execution Much of this agenda is already embedded in Asean's various roadmaps: the Asean Master Plan on Connectivity 2010, the Asean 2025: Forging Ahead Together blueprint, and the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on Asean 2045. But these plans must now be matched by political will and policy execution. Hosting 330 meetings annually does not guarantee progress. Asean must shift from being a conference community to a community of action. That shift begins with recognising that horizontal expansion without vertical consolidation only deepens the bloc's structural weakness. In contrast, meaningful vertical integration — from security cooperation and human capital development to infrastructure and digital harmonisation — can deliver the 'People-Oriented, People-Centred' Asean that every Chair claims to support. Preparing the ground for future chairs As Malaysia prepares to hand over the Group Chair role to the Philippines in 2026, and then Singapore in 2027, the legacy it leaves matters. If Malaysia's chairmanship is remembered solely for ceremonial milestones or photo opportunities, then Asean has missed another chance for renewal. But if Malaysia can demonstrate that deep institutional reforms and regional integration strategies were seeded and cultivated in 2025, then it would have set a powerful precedent — not just for Asean's future, but for the credibility of Asean's Group Chairmanship itself. Ultimately, Asean cannot afford to remain a loosely integrated bloc held together by communiqués and camaraderie. It must evolve — by design, not by crisis. And that evolution depends on chairmanships that understand the delicate but urgent balance between expanding the bloc horizontally and integrating it vertically. * Phar Kim Beng, PhD, is the Director of the Institute of Internationalisation and Asean Studies (IINTAS) at IIUM, and Lutfy Hamzah is a Senior Research Fellow at IINTAS. ** This is the personal opinion of the writers or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail.
Malay Mail
27-06-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Anwar in Jakarta for talks with Prabowo on bilateral ties, regional stability
JAKARTA, June 27 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim arrived in Jakarta today for an official visit, during which he is scheduled to meet President Prabowo Subianto. They will discuss key bilateral issues, follow up on recent Asean engagements, and explore ways to strengthen regional stability as Malaysia and Indonesia deepen their strategic cooperation. The visit comes as Malaysia holds the Asean Chairmanship for 2025, with Kuala Lumpur continuing to lead key regional agendas throughout the year. Anwar touched down at Halim Perdanakusuma Airport in East Jakarta at around 1 pm local time, where he was warmly received by Prabowo. The Prime Minister was accorded a ceremonial guard of honour upon arrival. Anwar leads a high-level delegation that includes Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan; Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz; Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Zambry Abdul Kadir; Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil; and Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani. Upon arriving at Istana Merdeka, Anwar was received by Prabowo and conducted a customary inspection of the guard of honour mounted by the Presidential Security Force, followed by the playing of national anthems and a gun salute. Both leaders then introduced their respective ministerial delegations, followed by a photo session and the signing of the guest book. The programme continued with a four-eye meeting between Anwar and Prabowo, held behind closed doors, before ministers from both sides joined an extended bilateral meeting. The meetings are expected to focus on trade, investment, education, communications, commodities and regional affairs, in line with the ministerial portfolios represented in the Malaysian delegation. The visit also forms part of preparations for the 13th Annual Malaysia–Indonesia Consultation, scheduled to take place later this year. — Bernama
Malay Mail
21-05-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
What brand of Malaysian hospitality will shape Asean and related summits — Phar Kim Beng
MAY 21 — As Malaysia assumes the Asean Chairmanship from May 25-27, 2025, global attention turns to Kuala Lumpur—not only for its event management and diplomatic flair but also for the deeper, distinct leadership it brings. This is a form of civilizational diplomacy rooted in moderation, inclusion, and resilience, transcending ceremonial handshakes and protocol dinners. This leadership stems from Malaysia's political experimentation, aspirations to bridge East and West, and resilience amid global volatility. The Unity Government's stability as a message Few believed Malaysia's Unity Government, led by Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, would endure when it was formed on November 24, 2022. Seen as a temporary coalition of former rivals, it faced doubts about its longevity. Nearly three years later, the government has not only survived but has become a credible custodian of Malaysia's external diplomacy and regional vision. In Asean, where political instability is common, Malaysia's internal political stability is a significant asset. It demonstrates that compromise, dialogue, and institutional reform can create a durable foundation, enabling Malaysia to chair Asean with confidence. A bold vision for the Asean Chairmanship Malaysia's chairmanship is marked by strategic initiatives, including a trilateral economic summit involving Asean, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and China. This summit, the first of its kind, represents a groundbreaking dialogue among three civilizational zones. It is not just about trade but a geopolitical statement challenging traditional East-West and North-South divides. Malaysia is anchoring the summit within the Asia Zero Emissions Community (AZEC) framework, envisioning a strategic corridor connecting the Gulf's resources, China's technology, and Asean's labor markets. This forward-looking agenda aims for a just transition to a low-carbon economy, redefining Asean regionalism to focus on sustainability and innovation. Leadership through bridge-building Under Anwar's leadership, Malaysia emphasizes bridge-building over bloc alliances. This philosophy is not just diplomatic—it is strategic. In an era of climate crises, food instability, and global fragmentation, hybrid platforms for cooperation are vital. Malaysia's approach to ASEAN's leadership sets a new standard by fostering pathways for dialogue and development. Malaysia's Asean chairmanship is marked by strategic initiatives, including a trilateral economic summit involving Asean, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and China. — Bernama pic Challenges from domestic disengagement Despite these strides, Malaysia's political opposition remains disengaged from international affairs, focusing instead on narrow domestic concerns. This lack of alternative vision for navigating global challenges is a missed opportunity to shape Malaysia's foreign policy. The government, meanwhile, has actively proposed regional financial mechanisms, supported civilizational dialogues, and revitalized Asean cooperation. Its leadership sees Malaysia as an architect of regional order rather than a passive participant. Malaysia's stewardship of Asean The first half of 2025 may mark a turning point for Asean—not by replacing its consensus model but by revitalizing it. Through Malaysia's leadership, Asean has the chance to address pressing questions on sustainability, sovereignty, and shared destiny. If Asean can rise to these challenges, Malaysia's chairmanship will have demonstrated the power of strategic hospitality—a diplomacy rooted in listening, building, and stewardship. This may well prove to be Malaysia's most valuable export, setting a benchmark for Asean's future. * Phar Kim Beng, PhD, is a Professor of Asean Studies at the International Islamic University Malaysia and a Visiting Faculty member at the Asia-Europe Institute, University of Malaya. ** This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail.
New Straits Times
19-05-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Hawana 2025 pre-launch set for June 3
LANGKAWI: The pre-launch ceremony for the National Journalists' Day (Hawana) 2025 celebration will be held on June 3, said Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil. He said the theme and logo for this year's celebration, held to honour media practitioners in the country, will also be unveiled during the ceremony. He added that in line with Malaysia's Asean Chairmanship in 2025, media organisations from across Southeast Asia will be involved in this year's Hawana celebration. "In conjunction with the Asean Chairmanship, Hawana will not only be a national-level event but can also serve as a catalyst for stronger ties and networks between media organisations in Malaysia and those in other countries in the Asean region. "This is important because in our efforts to build an Asean community, we cannot do without information and news from our Asean neighbours," he told reporters after attending the Northern Zone Safe Internet Campaign Tour here today. Also present were Communications Ministry secretary-general Datuk Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa, Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission commission member Gen (Rtd) Tan Sri Zulkifeli Mohd Zin and Malaysian National News Agency chief executive officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin. Fahmi hoped that this year's Hawana celebration will be fully leveraged by local media practitioners to strengthen ties and cooperation among media organisations in the Asean region. The Hawana 2025 celebration will be held in Kuala Lumpur in June. — BERNAMA
Malay Mail
15-05-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Putin hails growing Russia-Malaysia ties, cites Anwar's visit as sign of deepening cooperation
KUALA LUMPUR, May 15 — Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that Russia-Malaysia relations are strengthening, reaffirming both countries' commitment to deepening meaningful and productive cooperation. He said Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's four-day official visit, from May 13 to 16, clearly demonstrates that bilateral ties are developing successfully and progressively, with both sides expressing strong interest in making their cooperation more substantive and transparent. During their meeting, Putin said he and Anwar discussed a spectrum of relevant issues concerning bilateral interaction, as well as pressing matters on the international agenda. Both leaders, he added, identified specific plans to strengthen Russian-Malaysian cooperation in the future. 'Russia and Malaysia have a long tradition of friendship and mutual understanding. We have always strived to work in partnership, building on the principles of mutual respect and mutual understanding,' he said during a joint press conference with Anwar in Moscow, Russia. He added that both countries have all the necessary prerequisites to further enhance this partnership. Elaborating on his discussion with Prime Minister Anwar, Putin said that, given Malaysia's current Chairmanship of Asean, the talks touched on prospects for further developing substantive dialogue between the international association and Russia. 'We spoke in detail about issues concerning the peaceful and sustainable development of the Asia-Pacific region,' the President said. In the cultural and humanitarian sphere, Putin said both countries regularly hold film festivals, photo exhibitions, and musical concerts. Meanwhile, Putin said there are around 700 Malaysian citizens now studying in Russia at the same time, through the quotas of the government of the Russian Federation between the universities of both countries. Russia and Malaysia have more than 80 agreements on scientific, educational and academic exchange. The diplomas of Russian universities are being recognised by Malaysian employers without any additional accreditation, he said. On Brics, Putin said that under Russia's presidency, a new 'country partner' category was established, and Malaysia was among the nations invited to participate in BRICS activities in this capacity. 'We are glad that our Malaysian friends have accepted this invitation, and we will do everything in our power to ensure Malaysia joins the work of all BRICS partner mechanisms swiftly,' he added. Earlier Wednesday, Anwar was accorded an official welcome at the Kremlin, the official working residence of Putin, underscoring a pivotal moment in strengthening diplomatic ties between Malaysia and Russia. Anwar's official visit to Russia started on May 13 and will last until May 16. In 2024, Russia was Malaysia's ninth-largest trading partner among European countries, with total trade reaching RM11.46 billion (US$2.48 billion). — Bernama
