Asean welcomes nuclear weapon states to sign region's anti-nuclear treaty
Asean Foreign Ministers noted that the executive committee of the Seanwfz Commission continues to explore the possibility of allowing individual NWS to sign the protocol - without reservations and provide prior formal written assurance of their commitment...
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Malay Mail
12 hours ago
- Malay Mail
Asean and the FPDA: Twin anchors of Malaysia's security outlook — Phar Kim Beng
AUGUST 20 — When Asean was established on August 8, 1967, its founding members envisioned a regional order built on dialogue, cooperation, and resilience. For South-east Asia, still emerging from the shadows of colonial rule and Cold War confrontation, Asean was a bold attempt to craft a zone of stability. Four years later, in 1971, Malaysia and Singapore joined hands with Australia, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand to launch the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA). This pact was no accident of history; it was a deliberate complement to Asean's vision of regional security. The FPDA was born just a year after Asean declared the Zone of Peace, Freedom, and Neutrality (Zopfan) in Kuala Lumpur in 1970. Zopfan was a political statement of intent: South-east Asia must not become the playground of great power rivalry. But declarations alone could not guarantee safety. The Vietnam War was raging, and the withdrawal of British forces east of Suez left Malaysia and Singapore vulnerable. The FPDA filled this gap. While Zopfan embodied Asean's diplomatic quest for neutrality, the FPDA offered a hard security safety net—anchored not in alliance obligations but in consultation and cooperation. The importance of the FPDA for Malaysia cannot be overstated. Unlike Nato, it does not bind members to collective defence. Instead, it institutionalises regular consultations and joint military exercises, ensuring Malaysia and Singapore are never isolated in the face of aggression. Over the years, exercises such as Bersama Shield and Bersama Lima have done more than sharpen tactics; they have nurtured interoperability, exposed Malaysian forces to advanced operational practices, and prepared them for United Nations peacekeeping deployments. These engagements are Malaysia's only consistent multinational military training opportunities—an invaluable supplement to its limited defense capacity. When Asean was established on August 8, 1967, its founding members envisioned a regional order built on dialogue, cooperation, and resilience. — Picture by Raymond Manuel At the same time, Asean and the FPDA should not be seen as competing pillars of security. They are symbiotic. Asean, with its emphasis on consensus and dialogue, creates the political environment that makes cooperative security possible. The FPDA, in turn, provides a practical mechanism for capacity-building, ensuring that Malaysia and Singapore remain confident participants in Asean's broader vision of regional stability. Together, they reflect Malaysia's dual strategy: embrace neutrality and diplomacy through Asean, while anchoring deterrence and preparedness through the FPDA. Half a century on, both institutions face new tests. The rise of China, the resurgence of US strategic primacy, and tensions in the South China Sea demand careful balancing. Here, Asean continues to serve as the convenor of dialogue through the Asean Regional Forum, East Asia Summit, and the ongoing negotiations on a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea. The FPDA, meanwhile, has adapted to include non-traditional security threats—counterterrorism, humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief—broadening its relevance in an era where security is no longer defined solely by state-to-state conflict. Critics often argue that the FPDA is a relic of the Cold War. Yet its enduring value lies in flexibility. It reassures Malaysia and Singapore without constraining them in rigid treaty commitments. Similarly, Asean, though derided as slow-moving, has preserved South-east Asia as one of the least conflict-prone regions in the world. Neither is perfect, but both are indispensable. For Malaysia, the lesson is clear. Asean and the FPDA are not parallel tracks but complementary ones. They represent two sides of the same coin: Asean provides the diplomatic shield, while the FPDA delivers the operational muscle. In a region where great powers jostle for influence, Malaysia's security will continue to rest on the twin anchors laid down in 1967 and 1971. * Phar Kim Beng is a professor of Asean Studies and Director of the Institute of Internationalization and Asean Studies at the International Islamic University of Malaysia. ** This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail.
The Star
13 hours ago
- The Star
National Artificial Intelligence Action Plan near completion, says Gobind
KUALA LUMPUR: The National Artificial Intelligence Action Plan, providing a clear governance structure on the technology, is being finalised, the Dewan Rakyat was told. Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo said the plan will look into maintaining a balance between security and privacy. According to the minister, it will be based on three principles – transparency and accountability, privacy-by-design and security-by-design, and also retaining a human touch. "Each artificial intelligence model must be auditable clearly, including who is the party responsible if there are violations or misuse." "Privacy-by-design and security-by-design must also be considered from the algorithm design stage to protect personal data, and not added as an afterthought." "At the same time, artificial intelligence cannot be given absolute power yet. A human touch must be retained to avoid critical mistakes, discriminations or bias," he said during question time on Wednesday (Aug 20). The minister added that the plan will also take into account legal aspects including the Personal Data Protection Act and the Cybersecurity Act. As Asean chair, Gobind said Malaysia is spearheading the formation of the Asean AI Safety Network to ensure the technology can be implemented in a safe and responsible manner. This includes the formation of a regional artificial intelligence safety framework, drafting artificial intelligence safety standards, capacity building, promoting safe and responsible practices alongside the formation of a multi-stakeholder working group to explore safe usage across fields like healthcare and agriculture. "At the same time, Malaysia is also spearheading efforts to prepare the Asean Cybersecurity Cooperation Strategy 2026-2030 which takes into account cybersecurity challenges posed by artificial intelligence," he said. He added that Malaysia's stance is clear in wanting to ensure the technology is used to enhance cybersecurity, protect privacy rights and build trust. "We are committed to ensuring it is not just used as a technology but a responsibility that is preserved ethically, safe and human-centric," he said. He was responding to a question from Datuk Seri Doris Sophia Brodi who asked about measures to ensure artificial intelligence usage in cybersecurity complies with ethical principles and privacy.
Borneo Post
15 hours ago
- Borneo Post
Unity Govt leadership council meeting discusses Sarawak's role in regional cooperation, border security
(From left) Anwar is seen in discussion with Ibrahim, Abang Johari, Fadillah, and Dr Sim. — Photo from Office of the Premier of Sarawak KUCHING (Aug 20): Sarawak's strategic role in regional cooperation and issues concerning its borders were among the key points of discussion at the Unity Government Leadership Consultative Council Meeting in Putrajaya yesterday. A post on Sarawakku – the Premier's official Facebook page – said Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg attended the meeting with other state leaders. Chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at Kompleks Seri Perdana, the meeting brought together federal and state leaders, including Deputy Prime Ministers Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Dato Sri Fadillah Yusof. The meeting discussed strengthening economic strategies, ensuring policy coordination among coalition parties, and reviewing the government's mid-term performance. 'In addition, the meeting also focused on Sarawak's strategic role at the regional level, especially as the host of several Asean-level events, which showcase the state as an important player in international cooperation. 'The discussion also touched on issues related to Sarawak's borders, which have great importance from the security, geopolitical, and cross-border trade perspective,' added the post. Abang Johari, accompanied by the Sarawak delegation, arrived at Subang Airport at 12.30pm yesterday from Kuching before proceeding to the meeting venue. Among those in the delegation were Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian; Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Minister Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah; Deputy Minister for Utility(Sarawak Energy and Petros) Datuk Ibrahim Baki; and chief political secretary to the Premier Datuk Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman. Sarawakku also cited a media statement by Unity Government Leadership Consultative Council Secretariat chief Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, who said the meeting stressed the importance of tabling Cabinet decisions before the Council as a platform for joint consultation and policy coordination, while respecting the diversity of views among coalition parties. The meeting also focused on the Mid-Term Review of the Unity Government's achievements currently being undertaken by the Cabinet before being presented to the Council.
