ASEAN DECISIONS REMAIN THE RIGHT OF THE REGIONAL BLOC, UNBOUND BY ADVISORS – FAHMI

PUTRAJAYA, Dec 17 (Bernama) -- All decisions related to ASEAN will be made solely by the regional bloc itself, without external influence, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said.

He said advice provided by any member of an informal advisory group to the ASEAN 2025 Chairmanship is purely for guidance and is non-binding in nature.

Fahmi said the appointment of former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra as an informal advisor to assist Malaysia as ASEAN Chair reflects Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's commitment to doing his utmost for ASEAN.

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"There is no procedural issue with the ASEAN Chair appointing anyone as an advisor (to the prime minister) (and) not to ASEAN itself, as holding the ASEAN Chairmanship comes only once every 10 years. It is, therefore, a significant opportunity," he told reporters after the Communications Ministry's monthly assembly here today.

Fahmi said the prime minister’s intention is to fully optimise Malaysia’s ASEAN 2025 Chairmanship by leveraging the insights and experiences of influential leaders to guide ASEAN leadership.

"Their findings from these discussions will serve as advice and guidance for the prime minister. Ultimately, any decision concerning ASEAN will be made by ASEAN itself, not by any other party,” he said.

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Fahmi said the prime minister had informed the Cabinet of his intention to appoint members of the informal advisory group, presenting a list of credible figures, including Thaksin, and the Cabinet raised no objections to the decision.

"An official statement regarding the appointment and role of the advisors to the ASEAN 2025 Chairmanship will be issued by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs," he said.

"These (advisors) are not ordinary individuals but highly experienced and well-versed in (regional) developments. I believe this is the right step, and in many matters, the prime minister often seeks advice before taking action. I think he (Prime Minister) wants to do the right things for ASEAN and he wants to get as much input as possible," he said.

The appointment of Thaksin, proposed by Malaysia and agreed upon by Thailand, was announced by Anwar during a joint press conference with his Thai counterpart, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, yesterday.

Malaysia will officially assume the ASEAN Chairmanship on Jan 1 next year under the theme “Inclusivity and Sustainability,” reflecting the nation’s aspirations to foster a united and prosperous ASEAN.

-- BERNAMA