KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s chairmanship of Asean this year has delivered key milestones that reinforce the bloc’s role as a credible, principled platform for navigating regional challenges, says Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.
The Foreign Minister said the upcoming Asean Summit in October, alongside the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Summit, will further elevate Malaysia’s profile as a respected hub for diplomacy and dialogue.
“With only four months left in our chairmanship, Malaysia remains committed to sustaining this positive momentum, particularly in ensuring the success of the 47th Asean Summit and related meetings,” he told the Dewan Rakyat on Tuesday (Aug 19).
Mohamad said Malaysia’s achievements as chair include the launch of the Asean Community Vision 2045, the signing of the Kuala Lumpur Declaration, and the historic admission of Timor-Leste as the bloc’s 11th member.
Under Malaysia’s leadership, Asean maintained the Five-Point Consensus as the main framework for addressing the Myanmar crisis, while pushing for an extended ceasefire and engaging with all stakeholders to support peace efforts.
He added that Malaysia led humanitarian missions to Myanmar following the recent earthquake, secured wider international participation in the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC), and advanced Asean economic integration through agreements such as the upgraded Asean Trade in Goods Agreement and the Asean Digital Economy Framework.
He said Cyprus is expected to sign the TAC during the upcoming summit, following Algeria and Uruguay’s accession, bringing total signatories to 57.
Mohamad also highlighted Malaysia’s efforts in coordinating the establishment of an Interim Observer Team comprising defence advisers from Asean member states to monitor compliance with the ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia.
He said this role highlights Malaysia’s credibility as a neutral and trusted mediator in regional conflicts.
“Malaysia also played a pivotal role in expanding Asean’s external engagement, including with the Gulf Cooperation Council and China, and recently facilitated dialogue between Thailand and Cambodia over their border conflict,” he said.
“These milestones demonstrate Malaysia’s commitment to inclusivity, peace and stability, while strengthening Asean’s centrality in regional and global affairs,” added Mohamad
