ASEAN Chairman: Analysts confirm Malaysia’s readiness

KUALA LUMPUR: As Malaysia prepares to take over the role of ASEAN Chair next year, analysts are confident of the country’s readiness, underscoring its efficient public service and proven track record in hosting major international events, including serving as ASEAN Chair in 2015.

Geostrategist and Senior Fellow of the Nusantara Strategic Research Academy (NASR), Prof. Dr. Azmi Hassan, believes Malaysia’s experience leading the 10-member group, combined with a strong foreign ministry, has prepared the country well for the role.

“Since last January, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has instructed the foreign ministry and other relevant ministries to establish a comprehensive system.

“Our public service system is very efficient, ensuring smooth operations as ASEAN Chairman,” he told BERNAMA when asked to comment on Malaysia’s readiness to become ASEAN Chairman.

He said Malaysia’s consistent foreign policy, maintained by successive prime ministers since independence, also played an important role in its preparedness.

“There will be no surprises or disruptions in our competence as ASEAN Chairman,” the analyst said.

Meanwhile, the Director and Founder of the Institute of Ethnic Studies, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (KITA-UKM), Distinguished Professor Datuk Dr Shamsul Amri Baharuddin, emphasized Malaysia’s excellent ability to manage international events.

“Malaysia is a well-known international event manager, arguably the best,” he said.

Laos will hand over the baton of ASEAN chairmanship for 2025 at the ASEAN Summit from October 8 to 11.

Malaysia has previously held the position of ASEAN Chairman four times: in 1977, 1997, 2005 and 2015.

ASEAN, which was established on August 8, 1967, now consists of 10 member countries: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand, Singapore and Vietnam.

Timor-Leste’s full membership in the ASEAN bloc is still pending.