ASEAN Should Uphold Strategic Principles Instead of Choosing Sides, Says Ahmad Fuzi
KUALA LUMPUR — Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak has urged Association of Southeast Asian Nations to remain guided by strategic principles and regional interests instead of aligning itself with any major global power amid escalating geopolitical competition.
He said the shifting international order has created a far more uncertain environment for Southeast Asia, making it crucial for ASEAN to strengthen unity, resilience and long-term strategic independence.
Global Power Rivalries Intensifying
Speaking during the ASEAN Leadership and Partnership Forum 2026 in Kuala Lumpur, Ahmad Fuzi said the world is moving away from the relatively stable post-Cold War era into a more divided geopolitical landscape.
According to him, tensions between the United States and China are increasingly reshaping global trade, security and technology networks.
He noted that these developments are influencing regional economies and placing ASEAN countries under growing strategic pressure.
ASEAN Must Avoid Dependence
Ahmad Fuzi stressed that ASEAN should remain open to cooperation with all nations while avoiding overdependence on any single power bloc.
He described the ideal ASEAN approach as one that is interconnected but independent, globally engaged but strategically autonomous.
According to him, maintaining balance is essential to preserving ASEAN’s role as a neutral and respected regional platform.
Regional Stability Requires Strong Principles
The former diplomat said ASEAN’s future stability depends on its ability to act based on principles such as neutrality, mutual respect, multilateralism and openness.
Rather than being pulled into geopolitical rivalry, he said ASEAN should focus on protecting regional peace, economic growth and collective prosperity.
He added that choosing principles over political alignment would help ASEAN maintain credibility on the international stage.
Economic and Technological Resilience Needed
At the national level, Ahmad Fuzi urged member countries to strengthen economic resilience through diversification, innovation and future-oriented development policies.
He highlighted the importance of investments in digital transformation, renewable energy, green industries and human capital development.
Such efforts, he said, are necessary to ensure ASEAN economies remain competitive amid rapid technological change and global uncertainty.
Greater ASEAN Integration Encouraged
On the regional front, Ahmad Fuzi called for stronger economic integration among ASEAN members.
He said cooperation in areas such as energy security, regional trade, digital infrastructure and supply chain resilience must be intensified.
According to him, stronger regional collaboration would reduce ASEAN’s vulnerability to external disruptions and geopolitical tensions.
Constructive Engagement With All Powers
Ahmad Fuzi also emphasised the importance of maintaining constructive relations with all major global powers.
He said ASEAN should continue supporting a rules-based international system and open global trade while carefully managing strategic risks.
At the same time, he stressed the importance of preserving ASEAN centrality in regional diplomacy and security architecture.
Several Regional Initiatives Proposed
During his address, Ahmad Fuzi proposed a number of strategic initiatives aimed at strengthening ASEAN’s long-term competitiveness.
Among them were the creation of a Digital ASEAN Commons, stronger regional supply chain cooperation and expanded green transition partnerships.
He said such initiatives would help ASEAN better adapt to evolving global economic and technological realities.
ASEAN Must Shape Its Own Future
Concluding his speech, Ahmad Fuzi said ASEAN now faces a defining moment in its development.
He stressed that the region must decide whether it wants to actively shape global developments or merely respond to external pressures imposed by larger powers.
According to him, unity, strategic clarity and principled leadership will be vital for ASEAN’s future success.
-wilayah.com.my
