Malaysia takes up ASEAN chair

Malaysia has become the new rotational ASEAN chair beginning today, facing various challenges both from within and externally.

In Kuala Lumpur, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim told Bernama that Malaysia faces a significant task in shouldering the bloc’s responsibility as the chair. He reiterated that the complexity of the global landscape demands that ASEAN chart new roles and directions.

Malaysia, which succeeded Laos, will hold its first informal ASEAN minister meeting in Langkawi on January 18-19. At the retreat, the new chair will discuss its agenda under the theme of Inclusivity and Sustainability. ASEAN will hold its 56th annual meeting in mid-July.

The chair plans two ASEAN-related meetings, the first on May 6-7 and the second in late October. At the 46th ASEAN-related summits in May, the chair has scheduled the inaugural summit between ASEAN, the Gulf Cooperation Council, and China. This will be one of the flagship summits under the Malaysian chair.

Anwar has recently appointed former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra as his private advisor on ASEAN affairs. His advisory team will also comprise other prominent leaders from the Asean members.

At the upcoming summit, Malaysia is expected to announce the ASEAN Community Vision 2045. The new vision builds upon previous frameworks, particularly the ASEAN Community Vision 2025, and aims to address contemporary challenges while enhancing regional integration and connectivity.

The vision, which will chart the bloc's course for the next two decades, aims to transform ASEAN into a more integrated, resilient, and people-centered community.

The High-Level Task Force was set up in 2022 to draft the vision. The 20-member group has held extensive consultations among themselves and with stakeholders across the region. A mid-term review is planned for 2035 to assess progress and make necessary adjustments to the strategy as geopolitical dynamics evolve.