ASEAN CHAIRMANSHIP: OPPORTUNITY TO STRENGTHEN REGIONAL ROLE IN FACING GLOBAL GEOPOLITICAL CHALLENGES

After a decade, Malaysia has once again been entrusted with the chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), with its 46th and 47th summits scheduled to take place here in May and October respectively.

With less than three months remaining before the 46th ASEAN Summit on May 6 and 7, experts have put forward various recommendations for Malaysia to consider and prioritise as the main agenda for the meeting of the 10 heads of government of this regional bloc, which was established on Aug 8, 1967.

Experts suggest that Malaysia – as a country led by a unity government centred on diplomacy and tolerance – should leverage this approach to make the ASEAN leaders’ gathering a platform for resolving complex cross-border issues such as human trafficking and online fraud, as well as the humanitarian crisis involving Rohingya refugees.

They also noted that the bloc is facing increasingly complex geopolitical and geoeconomic challenges, requiring cooperation among all member states to ensure ASEAN remains strong and resilient.

PRIORITISE CRITICAL ISSUES

Dr Aizat Khairi, a senior lecturer at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia’s Research Centre for History, Politics and International Affairs, said Malaysia should take advantage of its chairmanship to emphasise unity in resolving critical issues affecting ASEAN member states.

Dr. Aizat Khairi

“It is true that since its establishment in 1967, ASEAN has adhered firmly to the principles of non-interference in the internal affairs of member states, and decision-making by consensus.

“These principles have successfully maintained relative peace in the region without triggering large-scale conflicts. However, current issues such as tensions in the South China Sea, the Rohingya refugee crisis and regional political polarisation have tested the resilience of these principles,” he told Bernama.

The expert in refugee and migration affairs and transnational security (border studies) said although ASEAN is recognised as a successful example of regional cooperation, the bloc must be bolder in addressing humanitarian issues without compromising its founding spirit of consensus.

Adaptation to new challenges such as cybersecurity and climate change must also be carried out urgently to enable proactive solutions to be implemented, he added.

He also said Malaysia should emphasise the importance of proactive diplomacy among member states to ensure the bloc remains relevant amid the competition for influence among major powers like the United States and China.

“An inclusive approach should also be adopted by involving the voices of civil society, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and the younger generation in the decision-making process so that ASEAN’s aspirations align with current needs,” he said.

MYANMAR CRISIS

Referring to calls for Malaysia to urge ASEAN to take immediate action in addressing the humanitarian crisis in Myanmar, Aizat said the crisis has long been a factor hindering ASEAN’s collective action.

He said although the Five-Point Consensus was agreed upon by ASEAN leaders in April 2021 to help achieve a peaceful and sustainable solution to the Myanmar crisis, its failed implementation has exposed the structural weakness of ASEAN’s decision-making, which relies too heavily on unanimous agreement.

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The five-point consensus refers to the call for the Myanmar junta to immediately cease violence in Rakhine state, engage in dialogue with all stakeholders, appoint a special envoy to support peace efforts and negotiations, allow the delivery of humanitarian aid from ASEAN, and permit the ASEAN special envoy to visit and meet with all stakeholders in Myanmar.

Aizat said to address this crisis, collective economic pressure must be imposed on Myanmar’s military regime while ensuring that humanitarian aid reaches victims directly through international NGO channels.

“Malaysia can also propose that ASEAN consider establishing a neutral monitoring team at the borders of neighbouring countries like Thailand and Bangladesh to reduce violence and facilitate the safe repatriation of refugees,” he said.

He also called for the establishment of a rapid crisis response mechanism to address issues such as forced migration, natural disasters and armed conflicts. Cross-border security cooperation should also be reinforced, particularly in combating organised crimes such as human trafficking and drug smuggling.

“This collaborative approach will not only enhance ASEAN’s resilience but also strengthen trust among member states,” he said.

ENHANCE ASEAN’S RELEVANCE

On ASEAN’s role on the global stage, Aizat said Malaysia should take the opportunity to restore ASEAN’s position as an influential regional bloc in an era of great power competition and a multipolar world system.

To achieve this goal, he said Malaysia must stress the principle of ‘ASEAN Centrality’ by acting as a mediator in sensitive issues such as territorial disputes and human rights violations.

Other steps include focusing on digital economic development and transitioning to green energy, which can serve as key pillars in strengthening the region’s competitiveness.

“A pragmatic approach in balancing relations with external powers such as China, the US and the EU is also crucial to ensure that ASEAN is not seen as being tied to any particular side, allowing it to determine its own direction effectively,” he added.

Aizat also noted that Malaysia’s theme of ‘Inclusivity and Sustainability’ aligns with current global challenges such as climate change, economic inequality and democratic affairs.

“As the chair for the fifth time since 1977, Malaysia must translate this theme into concrete action plans. (This can be done by) introducing regional education initiatives that emphasise environmental awareness and social inclusivity. At the economic level, cooperation in renewable energy projects and green technology must be intensified.

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“This theme should also reflect ASEAN’s commitment to ensuring that no member state is left behind in the development process, particularly less developed countries such as Laos and Cambodia,” he said.

Aizat also hopes that the 2025 ASEAN Summit will result in decisions that directly impact the people, including the establishment of an ASEAN Humanitarian Action Team capable of responding swiftly to disasters or crises.

He said it is also important to strengthen the role of the ASEAN Commission on Women and Children in addressing gender issues, forced migration and child protection.

“The ASEAN Youth Forum should also be institutionalised on a permanent basis to ensure that the voices of the younger generation are integrated into regional policies, particularly in socioeconomic development, and technical and vocational education and training (TVET) programmess,” he added.

HUGE RESPONSIBILITY

Meanwhile, the head of the School of International Relations at Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, Dr Hussain Yusri Zawawi, views Malaysia’s ASEAN chairmanship as a significant responsibility in strengthening the bloc’s role as an organisation built on justice, humanity and human rights.

He said ASEAN must remain relevant in addressing regional and global geopolitical challenges such as tensions in the South China Sea, the Myanmar crisis and the uncertainty in US-China relations.

“ASEAN needs strong leadership to find a balanced and inclusive approach in dealing with these issues.

“Therefore, as this year’s chair, Malaysia must ensure that ASEAN remains a united entity that is unafraid to voice regional interests on the international stage,” he told Bernama.

Dr. Hussain Yusri Zawawi

Hussain Yusri said as a country with a strategic position in international trade, Malaysia should seize this opportunity to accelerate the implementation of initiatives such as the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement and ASEAN Economic Community 2025 Action Plan, and strengthen cooperation in the energy and green technology sectors.

The expert noted that Malaysia’s role as ASEAN chair is not just a formal duty but a responsibility to ensure that ASEAN continues to grow as a competitive, inclusive organisation capable of tackling contemporary challenges.

“Malaysia must use this opportunity to lead ASEAN toward more sustainable and progressive goals, in line with the aspirations of its member states. With its experience and diplomatic expertise, Malaysia is well-positioned to fulfill this responsibility successfully,” he said.

CYBER THREATS

Referring to the proposal by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi for ASEAN to establish an ASEAN Cybercrime Task Force similar to Interpol, Hussain Yusri said the proposal is timely and should be taken seriously by ASEAN, given the increasing number of cyberattacks targeting individuals, companies and government institutions in the region.

“Without an effective coordination mechanism, member states face difficulties in addressing these threats collectively. With this task force, ASEAN can strengthen cybersecurity through closer and more effective cooperation.

“Cybercrime often involves perpetrators operating across national borders. Therefore, the need for rapid and systematic information exchange among member states is becoming increasingly critical. This (proposed) task force can serve as a platform for ASEAN countries to share data, incident reports and prevention strategies more efficiently,” he said.

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Hussain Yusri pointed out that one of the challenges in combating cybercrime is the differences in legislation and enforcement procedures among member states. Hence, the proposed task force could help align policies related to cybercrime and expedite enforcement actions against transnational criminals.

“Although ASEAN is committed to regional security, there are significant gaps in the legal frameworks of each country. Some nations may have stricter laws, while others may be more lenient in handling cybercrime. Aligning these regulations requires ongoing efforts to reach a common consensus.

“Sharing cybersecurity-related information requires a high level of trust among member states. However, concerns over confidentiality and potential misuse of information could hinder effective cooperation. Therefore, ASEAN needs to develop a transparent framework to convince all parties to collaborate closely,” he added.

HOPE

Hussain Yusri also stressed that human rights issues should be a top priority, particularly in addressing matters concerning refugees, migrant workers and freedom of expression in the region.

He said issues related to justice, humanity and human rights continue to challenge ASEAN countries, and Malaysia, as a nation that consistently advocates for justice and the well-being of its people, must ensure that these values remain at the core of every ASEAN policy and decision made at the upcoming summits.

“Malaysia can play a role as a catalyst for change by urging member states to enhance protections for individual rights and strengthen enforcement mechanisms to ensure these principles are upheld,” he said.

He added ASEAN must intensify its efforts to enhance economic cohesion by ensuring the smooth implementation of the ASEAN Comprehensive Recovery Framework. Additionally, member states should work to reduce trade barriers and accelerate the implementation of the ASEAN Free Trade Area to stimulate regional economic growth.

“By taking proactive steps and addressing existing weaknesses, ASEAN can achieve its goal of becoming a strong and respected bloc on the international stage,” he added.