Latest news with #ZainalAbidinSanusi
The Star
08-07-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Asean's Zopfan revived thanks to China and Russia's support, says expert
KUALA LUMPUR: Asean's long-standing aspiration for a Zone of Peace, Freedom and Neutrality (Zopfan) has gained renewed traction following China and Russia's readiness to sign the Protocol to the Treaty on the Southeast Asia Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone (SEANWFZ). International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) Department of Political Science and Madani Studies lecturer Prof Dr Zainal Abidin Sanusi stated that this development reflects Asean's commitment to advancing the Zopfan vision by balancing security, sustainability, and inclusive growth for future generations. He noted that China and Russia's readiness to join demonstrates that Zopfan is not just historical rhetoric but an evolving framework relevant in today's strategic landscape. "This move directly reinforces Zopfan, reducing the risk of nuclear escalation in a region increasingly exposed to great-power rivalry, especially in the South China Sea," he told Bernama ahead of the 58th Asean Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM) on Tuesday (July 8). Zopfan, signed on Nov 27, 1971, by Asean member states in Kuala Lumpur, aimed to keep Southeast Asia free from external powers' interference, reinforcing Asean's commitment to regional neutrality and autonomy during the Cold War. Prof Zainal Abidin suggested that this development could boost the international credibility of the SEANWFZ Protocol and intensify diplomatic pressure on other Nuclear Weapon States (NWS), notably the United States, United Kingdom, and France, to reconsider their reservations and re-engage with the treaty. "Malaysia's neutral and principled foreign policy gives it the credibility to act as a trusted bridge-builder in such complex negotiations," he added, highlighting a broader shift in Asean's diplomatic posture. "This marks a key moment in what some are calling 'sustainability diplomacy', a redefined approach to peace and security that centres on long-term cooperation in environmental protection, green growth, and inclusive development, beyond just military or geopolitical strategies," he said. Despite Southeast Asia's nuclear-weapon-free status, Asean remains vulnerable to nuclear-capable deployments by external powers. "Asean leaders believe that securing universal NWS adherence is now more urgent than ever to protect Zopfan's spirit and safeguard Southeast Asia's stability and prosperity," he said. Prof Zainal Abidin proposed that Asean establish a regional compliance and monitoring mechanism in partnership with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), modelled on the African Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone's commission, to strengthen transparency and confidence-building. He emphasized that environmental protection is a key pillar of SEANWFZ, as the treaty prohibits radioactive waste dumping and strictly limits nuclear energy activities, reinforcing intergenerational equity and the region's ecosystems' health. Malaysia's Asean 2025 Chairmanship theme of "Inclusivity and Sustainability" aligns with global concerns such as climate change, equitable development, and peace, linking SEANWFZ to broader issues like environmental protection and social justice. Malaysia has worked diligently through Asean committees and diplomatic channels to ensure smooth logistics and focused discussions for this year's meeting, particularly on sensitive issues such as monitoring and enforcing the treaty. He added that Malaysia could use its leadership in green technology, clean energy, and equitable economic growth to demonstrate how sustainability-anchored diplomacy can shape regional peacebuilding more holistically. "This is different from past Asean meetings that kept security and development in separate boxes. Now, Malaysia is helping Asean think across sectors, combining peace and sustainability in new ways," he said. Prof Zainal Abidin expressed that Malaysia's leadership could transform the AMM into a milestone event, not only for peace and denuclearisation but for the rise of sustainability diplomacy as a defining approach for Asean's efforts in balancing geopolitics, the environment, and development. The 58th AMM and related meetings, scheduled from July 8 to 11, are expected to gather about 1,500 delegates, including foreign ministers from Asean, Timor-Leste, Asean dialogue partners, Asean Regional Forum (ARF) participants, sectoral dialogue partners, and Asean Secretariat senior officials. Malaysia is hosting the AMM as part of its fifth Asean Chairmanship, having previously held the role in 1977, 1997, 2005, and 2015. - Bernama
Malaysian Reserve
27-05-2025
- Politics
- Malaysian Reserve
Malaysia to champion sustainable development
MALAYSIA is well-positioned to champion a sustainable development model that balances economic growth, social justice and environmental preservation through the consolidation of best practices among ASEAN member states, said International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) Department of Political Science and Madani Studies lecturer Prof Dr Zainal Abidin Sanusi. He said the country is strategically placed to lead this new development approach in the region, given its consistent commitment to green policies, transition to renewable energy (RE) and circular economy initiatives. 'ASEAN comprises 10 countries, each with distinct strengths and expertise. As chair this year, Malaysia can act as a catalyst for a sustainable development model that is not dependent on the unsustainable frameworks of developed nations,' he told Bernama. According to Zainal Abidin, the climate crisis, for instance, is no longer a future concern but a current reality, requiring ASEAN member states to adopt bold policies and act collectively. He added that ASEAN must shift from an exploitative growth model to one that prioritises climate resilience, sustainable resource management and social justice. Zainal Abidin says Malaysia must use its ASEAN chairmanship to drive bold, collective action on sustainability (Source: Indigenous communities in the region have long practised environmentally balanced lifestyles, including sustainable land management and internationally recognised controlled burning techniques. The academic stressed that the ASEAN 2025 theme of 'Inclusivity and Sustainability' must be translated into concrete policy actions and not remain mere rhetoric. 'Without inclusivity, inequality will continue to widen and progress will not last without sustainability. Therefore, as ASEAN chair for the fifth time in 2025, Malaysia must lead the collective commitment to ensure today's development does not burden future generations,' he said. Zainal Abidin added that Malaysia can serve as a bridge between regional economic interests and urgent environmental conservation needs by promoting a development approach that integrates technological innovation, good governance and multi-stakeholder cooperation. 'Malaysia can set an example for ASEAN member states in making development and sustainability complementary strategies by strengthening the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles,' he said. He also proposed that Malaysia take a leading role in fostering regional noble values by advocating fair access to education, technology and economic opportunities, while enhancing the participation of women, youth and communities in ASEAN policy-making processes. Malaysia has shown a clear commitment to addressing climate change through the National Environmental Policy (NEP), Green Economy Framework (GEF), New Industrial Master Plan (NIMP 2030) and emphasis on RE and carbon emission reduction. Zainal Abidin said as host of the ASEAN Summit 2025, Malaysia holds a strategic opportunity to shape the region's sustainable development agenda, with its moderate and balanced diplomatic stance positioning it well as a bridge between ASEAN and external partners such as the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and China. The 46th ASEAN Summit commenced with the senior officials' meeting on May 23, followed by the ministerial-level meeting on May 25, while the heads of govern- ment meeting begins today. — Bernama This article first appeared in The Malaysian Reserve weekly print edition
Barnama
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Barnama
ASEAN 2025: Malaysia Well-Placed To Champion Sustainable Development
GENERAL By Samantha Tan Chiew Tieng PUTRAJAYA, May 22 (Bernama) -- Malaysia is well-positioned to champion a sustainable development model that balances economic growth, social justice and environmental preservation through the consolidation of best practices among ASEAN member states, said an academic. International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) Department of Political Science and Madani Studies lecturer Prof Dr Zainal Abidin Sanusi said the country is strategically placed to lead this new development approach in the region, given its consistent commitment to green policies, transition to renewable energy and circular economy initiatives. 'ASEAN comprises 10 countries, each with distinct strengths and expertise. As Chair this year, Malaysia can act as a catalyst for a sustainable development model that is not dependent on the unsustainable frameworks of developed nations,' he told Bernama. He said the climate crisis, for instance, is no longer a future concern but a current reality, requiring ASEAN member states to adopt bold policies and act collectively. Zainal Abidin added that ASEAN must shift from an exploitative growth model to one that prioritises climate resilience, sustainable resource management and social justice. He said indigenous communities in the region have long practised environmentally balanced lifestyles, including sustainable land management and internationally recognised controlled burning techniques. The academic stressed that the ASEAN 2025 theme of 'Inclusivity and Sustainability' must be translated into concrete policy actions and not remain mere rhetoric. 'Without inclusivity, inequality will continue to widen, and progress will not last without sustainability. Therefore, as ASEAN Chair for the fifth time in 2025, Malaysia must lead the collective commitment to ensure today's development does not burden future generations,' he said.
