What is Malaysia's legacy as chair?

AWANI

Malaysia’s ASEAN chairmanship this year raises questions about what ASEAN leadership truly means in practical terms and whether Malaysia can leave a meaningful legacy; Dr. Azmi Hassan of the National Council of Professors weighs in on this.

Transcript

00:00As we know, Malaysia holds the ASEAN chairmanship this year.

00:03But beyond the ceremonial spotlight, what does leadership of ASEAN truly mean in practical terms?

00:10We asked fellow of the National Council of Professors, Dr Azmi Hassan,

00:13what kind of impact Malaysia can realistically make during its chairmanship.

00:19Well, 10 years ago, when Malaysia was the chairman of ASEAN, we had two declarations.

00:25One declaration, Kuala Lumpur Declaration, regarding education.

00:32Another declaration, Islam Kaui Declaration, concerning environmental at that particular time.

00:40But I think this particular Kuala Lumpur Declaration 2025 is going to be something a bit different.

00:47Something a bit different where Malaysia wants to see ASEAN to be encompassed or to be adopting the centrality strategy.

00:58And another thing is that talking about neutrality.

01:01So I think the Kuala Lumpur Declaration this year will be much more geared toward geopolitical situation.

01:11Whether it is Gaza, things that our foreign minister did bring this particular matter up during one of the meetings of the foreign minister.

01:24And also whether it is about Ukraine or South China, Malaysia wants to see that ASEAN be involved in all these matters.

01:34So I would say that most of the content of the Kuala Lumpur Declaration is about geopolitical,

01:41to bring ASEAN more centrality, to be more involved, and at the same time be neutral,

01:47not to be biased with either superpowers, whether it is China, other states, or Russia in this case.

01:55So I think that is a legacy that the chairman wants to imprint for its chairmanship this year.

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