WHEN the leaders of Asean leave the bloc’s 47th summit in Kuala Lumpur, there is no doubt that they will be pleased with Malaysia’s stewardship as Asean chair of the 58 year-old organisation.
So will the Philippines in particular, Asean’s chair next year, as Malaysia’s achievements will make it easier for Manila to build on the bloc’s accomplishments. Granted, challenges are many, but Malaysia has shown that even in an organisation of 10 sovereign countries driven by consensus, diplomacy works.
Thanks to Malaysia’s deft diplomacy, the bloc is set to expand to Asean 11 with the inclusion of Timor-Leste. For sure, consensus can slow and stall decisions, but with diplomacy carefully dispensed, tough choices can be explored and adopted.
If two seemingly insurmountable challenges must be named, they are: one, bringing to an end the civil war in Myanmar, which has been going on since the military coup in February 2021; and two, getting the Code of Conduct (CoC) for the disputed territories of the South China Sea signed with China. This is especially important for claimant states in Asean. More on this later.
Mention must be made of Malaysia’s role in refining the Asean Roadmap, which is expected to unlock the region’s potential in trade, sustainability and digitalisation. Also notable is the adoption in July of the broader Asean Community Vision 2045, a strategic plan that charts the bloc’s trajectory for the next two decades.
We must acknowledge that Malaysia’s Asean chair coincided with great upheavals in global geopolitics and trade wars. Notwithstanding this, Malaysia as a middle power has done well. It may not have the heft of the giants, but what it has done as Asean chair in 12 months is truly a giant step for a small nation.
The presence of United States President Donald Trump, who is expected to arrive today, is a matter of some consequence. One misconception needs to be cleared, though. Trump is attending the 47th Asean Summit, not on Malaysia’s invitation, but on Asean’s. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has clarified this and we will do well to trust him.
Why is Trump‘s attendance of some consequence? First, something about the first principle of diplomacy. Careful diplomacy works best when done face to face. Iterations are important elements in any negotiation. The 10 leaders of Asean can get the chance to talk about the risks of military exercises in the South China Sea by third countries. They can also brief Trump on the status of the CoC.
As Trump is interested in ending wars, Asean leaders can discuss the issues in Myanmar and Gaza. Anwar, too, is expected to hold a bilateral meeting with Trump. Tariffs and the plight of the Palestinians will surely be part of the meeting’s agenda.
The world, well almost the world, began arriving in Kuala Lumpur from Friday for the 47th Asean Summit, which begins today. The list is long, but we will name a few. Leaders from as far away as Brazil to China and from almost every nation in between are here. A rare feat for Malaysia as Asean chair. And deservedly so.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
