ASEAN MUST SPEAK WITH ONE CLEAR VOICE AMID GLOBAL UNCERTAINTY - MOHAMAD

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 25 (Bernama) -- ASEAN must speak with one clear and united voice as the region navigates intensifying global rivalries and growing economic uncertainties, said Malaysian Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.

Speaking at the ASEAN Joint Foreign and Economic Ministers’ Meeting today, he said the discussions underscored the region’s determination to act cohesively in addressing profound shifts in global power competition, the reconfiguration of supply chains, and the increasingly blurred lines between technology, security and economics.

The meeting preceded the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits, which will take place at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre from Oct 26 to 28.

"As the world's fifth largest economic bloc, ASEAN cannot afford ambiguity. We must speak with a clear and united voice. One that champions openness, neutrality and the long-term prosperity of our region," he said.

Mohamad cautioned that protectionism and great-power rivalry are eroding multilateralism, stressing that ASEAN must remain steadfast in its strategic interests anchored in ASEAN centrality.

"The consequences of these are far-reaching and tangible. Protectionism is on the rise. Multilateralism is under pressure. Economic decisions are now frequently shaped by strategic imperatives, rather than purely commercial ones," he said.

Therefore, he said in navigating this new reality, ASEAN's approach must be clear, coherent and cohesive.

Reaffirming the bloc’s commitment to an open, inclusive and rules-based regional order, Mohamad called for dialogue and cooperation, not confrontation, to preserve stability.

Mohamad also highlighted ASEAN Vision 2045 as a forward-looking blueprint that aims to achieve strategic equilibrium, encourage dialogues and build trust to ensure Southeast Asia remains a platform for collaboration among all partners.

"ASEAN recognises that trade and investment are no longer insulated from the turbulence of geopolitics. Economic interdependence can be a source of both vulnerability and stability," he added.

Mohamad said the bloc’s task is to ensure that interdependence becomes a bridge for cooperation, rather than a tool of coercion.

"In this regard, while deepening our ties with traditional partners, we must also diversify and expand our economic engagements, forging new partnerships that enhance ASEAN's resilience and competitiveness," he said.

Acknowledging that geopolitics and geoeconomics are now deeply intertwined, Mohamad said the joint meeting urged greater policy coordination across diplomatic and economic fronts.

"ASEAN must therefore break down silos and act in concert to present a unified and strategic front," he said.

"Let us send a strong, united message that ASEAN is not a passive bystander in today’s world, but a proactive force for stability, openness and peace," he added.

The joint session, co-chaired by Mohamad and Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, aimed to enhance coordination between ASEAN’s foreign and economic agendas.

-- BERNAMA