SAFEGUARDING REGIONAL HARMONY THROUGH CIVILISATION — MALAYSIA’S REFLECTION UNDER ASEAN’S GOLDEN PRINCIPLE

By CW Sim

Recently, Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong made public statements highlighting attempts by external forces to interfere in Singapore’s upcoming general election by exploiting racial and religious issues. They firmly asserted that Singapore’s sovereignty must not be compromised, and that the country’s political processes must be determined solely by Singaporeans. This development has drawn significant attention both regionally and internationally, compelling Malaysians to reflect seriously: under the foundation of civilisation and international law, how should we position ourselves?

First, we must confront the facts. Based on information revealed by Singapore, the external interference is linked to irresponsible rhetoric and actions by certain religious-political forces from neighbouring countries, seeking to manipulate religious and ethnic sentiments during a sensitive period. While Singaporean authorities have refrained from explicitly naming parties, widespread media analysis points towards certain extremist religious groups within Malaysia. Regardless of whether these actions were officially orchestrated, they have crossed a critical boundary, violated international norms and ASEAN’s Charter, and unnecessarily strained bilateral ties and regional stability.

Thus, while the Malaysian government must view these concerns with utmost seriousness, we, as part of a civilised society, express our understanding and respect, and sincerely convey the Malaysian people’s commitment to valuing regional peace and stability. This is not a concession without cause; rather, it stems from a conscious sense of responsibility towards civilisational principles and international obligations.

Malaysia and Singapore share a deep and complex historical relationship. From being part of the same federation to embarking on separate national paths, our peoples have remained geographically, culturally, and economically intertwined. Therefore, any misconduct originating from Malaysia that interferes with Singapore’s domestic affairs not only harms our neighbour but also undermines Malaysia’s standing as a responsible member of the international community. This is not a matter of emotion—it is a matter of responsibility and realism.

Since the signing of the Bangkok Declaration in 1967, ASEAN has been founded on the principle of non-interference. The 1976 Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia and the ASEAN Charter of 2007 institutionalised this norm, ensuring peaceful coexistence, mutual trust, and constructive cooperation among its diverse members. This principle has been the cornerstone enabling Southeast Asian nations, despite their differences in political systems, economic development, and religious backgrounds, to maintain peace and foster collaboration for decades. Any breach of this principle risks eroding the very foundation of trust that binds ASEAN together.

Malaysia, as one of ASEAN’s founding members and currently serving as ASEAN Chair for 2025, must lead by example. We must steadfastly uphold the spirit of the ASEAN Charter and demonstrate our commitment to being a responsible and principled member of the international community. Malaysia’s government has consistently maintained a clear position: to uphold ASEAN’s core principles, to respect the sovereignty and choices of every member state, and to reject any actions that would undermine regional harmony and Malaysia’s reputation.

At the same time, we must recognise that true faith does not advocate interference or manipulation, nor does it condone division in the name of religion. The core teachings of Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, and other faiths emphasise peace, justice, and mutual respect. Anyone who exploits divine authority for personal gain, destabilising other societies, not only desecrates faith but also betrays the interests of their own people.

Civilisation is not a weakness; it is strength. Self-restraint is not capitulation; it is a reflection of a nation’s stature. In the face of international scrutiny, Malaysians must embrace the wisdom of introspection and the determination to stand firm—building our nation on civilisation, shouldering responsibility, and earning respect through principled conduct.

This incident also serves as a stark reminder: ASEAN, with its population exceeding 700 million and rich cultural diversity, must remain united and resilient in an increasingly turbulent global environment. Upholding ASEAN centrality is paramount to resisting external infiltration and division, and to safeguarding the hard-won peace and prosperity of our region.

Therefore, I call upon all Malaysians to understand that respecting our neighbours’ sovereignty, adhering to international norms, and defending regional solidarity is not about appeasing others—it is about protecting ourselves, securing our future, and safeguarding the stability and hope of Southeast Asia as a whole.

Only by illuminating our path with the light of civilisation, and defending ASEAN’s spirit with reason and responsibility, can Malaysia stand tall alongside Singapore and our ASEAN brothers and sisters, navigating the storms of the international order and writing new chapters of peace and prosperity together.

-- BERNAMA

CW SIM is an independent consultant

(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of BERNAMA)