MINDEF OUTLINES THREE KEY PRIORITIES DURING ASEAN CHAIRMANSHIP

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 16 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) has outlined three key priorities during Malaysia's chairmanship of ASEAN.

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin emphasised that the top priority is to prevent any escalation of tensions that could spark regional conflict.

The second priority is to position ASEAN as the leading platform for diplomacy in addressing and managing regional challenges.

"Third, we will use ASEAN as an opportunity to enhance various training, cooperation, and defence diplomacy initiatives within the region, involving member countries, observer states, and other ASEAN strategic partners," he said during the 2025 Defence Minister’s New Year address at Wisma Perwira today.

Malaysia officially assumed the role of ASEAN Chair on Jan 1, 2025, with the theme "Inclusivity and Sustainability," reflecting the country's aspiration to create a united and prosperous ASEAN.

One of the main events under MINDEF this year is the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) and ADMM Plus, scheduled from Nov 17 to 21.

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Mohamed Khaled stated that, in the context of global peace, Malaysia will continue its involvement in peacekeeping missions and the promotion of human rights under the auspices of international bodies such as the United Nations (UN).

He also intends to deliver a significant message regarding the improvement and strengthening of these missions during the UN Peacekeeping Ministerial in Berlin, Germany, from May 13 to 14, 2025.

“We will ensure that all approaches, preparations, training patterns, and necessary assets are in place to facilitate Malaysia’s effective participation and contribution to global peacekeeping missions.

“This commitment is rooted in the belief that, as a progressive nation, Malaysia must remain a neutral, principled, and firm mediator and voice in the international arena,” he said.

He stressed that MINDEF cannot remain a passive observer when it comes to matters impacting the nation’s sovereignty, particularly amidst the era of evolving and challenging geopolitical dynamics. 

He highlighted issues such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the China-US trade war, climate change, food security, the rise of disruptive technologies, the attacks on Gaza, and other developments that must be analysed and assessed from a defence perspective and implications for the country.

“As the frontline team responsible for all matters related to national sovereignty, MINDEF, and the Armed Forces must also possess the capability to be a vocal presence, offering insights and constructive perspectives to the government from a defence standpoint,” he said.

-- BERNAMA