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Malay Mail
08-08-2025
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Anwar calls Thailand-Cambodia ceasefire Asean's proudest moment, says Myanmar next challenge
CYBERJAYA, Aug 8 — The swift and effective ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia is an unprecedented achievement for Asean, demonstrating the strength, commitment and resolve of its leaders, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He said the breakthrough was made possible through multi-layered cooperation involving the prime ministers and foreign ministers of both nations, their armed forces, and the trust built among Asean leaders. 'I must thank both leaders of Cambodia and Thailand, the Cabinet, and the Chief of Defence Forces here, who has played a pivotal role. The relationship and trust between our armed forces and Asean leaders are remarkable,' he said, representing Malaysia as Asean Chair. Anwar said this in his address at the 58th Asean Day celebration here today, held in conjunction with the 58th anniversary of the founding of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), themed Towards an Inclusive and Sustainable Asean Future. Anwar said that the high level of trust and confidence enabled all parties to secure an understanding quickly, noting that in the history of ceasefires worldwide over the past decades, if not centuries, this might be the first to work so fast and effectively. Anwar said the United States and China had committed to supporting logistics in the ceasefire area but left it entirely to the bilateral understanding between Thailand and Cambodia, moderated by Malaysia. 'All Asean leaders have pledged to provide whatever support is necessary to secure lasting peace between the two countries,' he said. He added that the achievement was possible because Malaysia, as Asean Chair, had received the mandate and backing of all Asean leaders, giving added weight to its mediation efforts. Thailand and Cambodia agreed to implement a ceasefire effective midnight on July 28 at a special meeting in Malaysia chaired by Anwar. The meeting was held following heightened tensions between the two South-east Asian neighbours. 'If this is a good beginning, it augurs well for the future of Asean in terms of attaining geopolitical strategy,' Anwar said, adding that Myanmar would be the bloc's next major challenge. According to him, progress has been made towards securing a ceasefire in Myanmar, with the foreign ministers of Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia expected to visit the country soon to press for an end to violence, cessation of hostilities and the resumption of dialogue among stakeholders. Turning to the economic agenda, Anwar said one of the key issues for deliberation at the October Asean Summit would be boosting intra-Asean trade, cross-border investments, regional energy grid connectivity and other collaborative economic initiatives. Meanwhile, Anwar described the celebration of Asean's 58th anniversary as a source of pride and shared appreciation, not only to commemorate the achievements since its founding, but also as a moment to give thanks for the progress made. He said Asean's success today is inseparable from the ideas, vision and struggles of the founding leaders of its member states. However, he cautioned that challenges to the region persist, and Asean will only remain relevant if it faces them with a strong commitment. Asean was established on August 8, 1967 in Bangkok, with the signing of the Bangkok Declaration by its five founding members, namely Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand. — Bernama
South China Morning Post
06-06-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
How Trump's tariffs could benefit Asean in the long run
US President Donald Trump's tariffs – especially the ultra-high 'reciprocal tariffs' that he says will be reintroduced on July 8 for any country that has not struck a trade deal with his administration – have sent countries around the world scrambling to respond, adapt and limit the fallout. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations' 10 members – Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam – have been among the most proactive. Advertisement Their leaders quickly recognised that, after decades of spectacular gross domestic product growth, Asean is an economic force that the Trump administration would have to reckon with in a serious way. In 2000, Japan was the world's second-largest economy, some eight times larger than Asean; today, it is only 1.1 times larger, and by 2030, Asean's economy will overtake it. In 2010-2020, Asean contributed more to global economic growth than the European Union did. Asean owes much of this progress to open trade. Between 2003 and 2023, its trade with the rest of the world exploded. But the real secret to Asean's success is strong and competent leadership, exemplified, in the grouping's early years, by Singaporean prime minister Lee Kuan Yew , a Cambridge-educated lawyer, and Indonesian president Suharto, a Javanese military leader and mystic. It was their unlikely partnership that kept Asean together. Asean's leaders have upheld relative peace and stability in their countries, while cultivating a culture of consultation and consensus in guiding regional relations. This stands in stark contrast to the experiences of many other developing countries and regions. Advertisement
Malay Mail
28-05-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Asean must step up or risk irrelevance in a changed world, says Singapore PM Lawrence Wong
SINGAPORE, May 28 — Asean has to step up, work together, and fashion a place for itself in this changed world or risk losing its relevance, said Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong after concluding his visit to Malaysia for the 46th Asean Summit and Related Summits. Wong said there was a clear sense of renewed urgency amongst Asean Leaders to advance the bloc's integration efforts, and the adoption of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 is an important, positive step in that direction. 'Over the past two days, I had many productive meetings to discuss global and regional developments, and how we can work with like-minded partners to chart a way forward in this turbulent world. 'Terima kasih, Prime Minister (Datuk Seri) Anwar Ibrahim, for your warm hospitality, and I look forward to welcoming you soon in Singapore,' he posted on Facebook on Tuesday. Meanwhile, in an interview with Singapore media in Kuala Lumpur, Wong said he was glad that Asean leaders had held candid discussions on the new realities at the summit, and recognised the urgency of pushing for closer integration, The Straits Times (ST) reported. Wong, who also serves as Finance Minister, said the concrete steps that the bloc can take include the full implementation of existing agreements, making it completely tariff-free and reducing non-tariff barriers to make trade more seamless. Meanwhile, he also commended Malaysia's leadership as Asean chair, stating that the country played an important role in helping the bloc to navigate a range of global challenges. 'Malaysia has helped to steer Asean through challenges including the US tariff actions, humanitarian crisis in Myanmar, difficult issues like conflict in Gaza. 'These are all global issues that matter to us as well in Asean and Malaysia, has taken the lead to help Asean navigate these issues, and also taken the lead to help ASEAN forge stronger partners' he said, as reported by ST. — Bernama
Free Malaysia Today
27-05-2025
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
Asean to deepen global partnerships in face of economic challenges
Beyond external partnerships, Asean member states also committed to strengthening its internal resilience through deeper intra-regional trade and investment. KUALA LUMPUR : Amid escalating global trade tensions and a volatile international economic landscape, Asean leaders today reaffirmed their strong commitment to expanding and upgrading their Asean+1 free trade agreements (FTAs) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (RCEP). This pledge, made during the 46th Asean Summit held here today, underscores the bloc's determination to navigate external challenges through strengthened partnerships. Chief among these challenges is the prospect of punitive tariffs ranging from 10-46% imposed by the bloc's second-largest trading partner, the US, on April 3. In a joint statement, the Asean leaders described unilateral and retaliatory trade actions as 'counterproductive and risk exacerbating global economic fragmentation, especially when these actions create indirect impacts on Asean'. The member states also pledged to deepen cooperation with existing external partners and are actively seeking new and emerging partnerships, including region-to-region linkages such as with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and China through its tripartite summit, which convened for the first time earlier today. These efforts are seen as reinforcing Asean's resilience, expanding economic opportunities, and solidifying its position as a dynamic global trade and investment hub. Beyond external partnerships, Asean also committed to strengthening its internal resilience through deeper intra-regional trade and investment. This includes accelerating key initiatives in its Digital Economy Framework Agreement and the upgrade of the Asean Trade in Goods Agreement. The bloc expressed confidence that this would enhance regional integration, boost business certainty and competitiveness, and ensure Asean remained cohesive and adaptable to emerging challenges. Domestically, Asean member states will also take individualised steps to mitigate the impact of high tariffs, including safeguards to support regional industries vulnerable to trade disruptions. Speaking at a press conference following the conclusion of the 46th Asean Summit today, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim emphasised the importance of protecting the interests of approximately 660 million people across the region. 'On (the US) tariffs, while proceeding with bilateral negotiations, the consensus was that there should be some form of understanding within Asean, and that any decision should not come at the expense of other countries,' he said.
Malay Mail
26-05-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Kuala Lumpur Declaration explained: What does Asean's 20-year ‘2045 Vision' promise?
KUALA LUMPUR, May 27 — All 10 Asean leaders, including Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, yesterday signed a regional long-term vision document titled Asean 2045: Our Shared Future. Dubbed the 'Kuala Lumpur Declaration', the document marks a significant milestone in the bloc's ongoing journey towards deeper regional integration. This long-term framework replaces Asean 2025: Forging Ahead Together, adopted in 2015 under Malaysia's chairmanship. It comprises six core documents: The Kuala Lumpur Declaration on Asean 2045: Our Shared Future Asean Community Vision (ACV) 2045 — Resilient, Innovative, Dynamic and People-Centred Asean Asean Political-Security Community Strategic Plan Asean Economic Community Strategic Plan 2026–2030 Asean Socio-Cultural Community Strategic Plan Asean Connectivity Strategic Plan Here's what you need to know about Asean's long-term direction: What is the Kuala Lumpur Declaration? The Kuala Lumpur Declaration is a foundational diplomatic document signed during the 46th Asean Summit at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. It formally adopts the Asean Community Vision 2045, setting the strategic direction for the region over the next two decades. The declaration emphasises the need for effective implementation, enhanced institutional capacity and deeper regional cooperation. It also calls on external partners to support Asean's long-term goals. Above all, it reaffirms Asean's commitment to unity, stability and sustainable development — positioning the region as a future global leader. What is Asean 2045? Asean 2045: Our Shared Future is a comprehensive strategic blueprint guiding the region's growth and integration through to 2045. Building on the Asean 2025 vision, the new framework envisions a resilient, innovative, dynamic and people-centred Asean community, aiming to cement the region's role as a key growth hub in the Indo-Pacific. The vision also seeks to elevate Asean's global standing by addressing megatrends and promoting sustainable development. Why is Asean adopting a 20-year vision? The two-decade outlook provides a clear and adaptive roadmap for member states to achieve common goals amid a fast-evolving global landscape. It supports long-term strategic planning, prioritises resource allocation and enables consistent monitoring of progress. Such a long-term framework also ensures sustainability, alignment with future developments, and a proactive response to emerging opportunities and challenges. Key pillars of Asean Community Vision 2045 The vision is structured around four main pillars, each promoting inclusivity, resilience and regional strength: 1. Political security Promoting peace, stability, and adherence to international law; enhancing Asean's regional role; and safeguarding neutrality and security. 2. Economic Positioning Asean as the world's fourth-largest economy by advancing innovation, digital transformation, stronger supply chains and sustainable growth. 3. Socio-cultural Fostering a cohesive and inclusive community grounded in shared identity, while championing health, social justice, gender equality, youth empowerment and cultural preservation. 4. Connectivity and institutional capacity Boosting infrastructure and digital connectivity, strengthening urban resilience and enhancing Asean institutions for more effective governance. What's new in ACV 2045? While building on past efforts, ACV 2045 introduces several forward-looking priorities: 1. Regional leadership in global affairs Reinforcing Asean's role in shaping regional and global discourse, upholding a rules-based international order, and strengthening Asean-led mechanisms such as the Asean Outlook on the Indo-Pacific. 2. Focus on digital and green economies Accelerating the development of digital ecosystems, cybersecurity, advanced technologies, green growth and the blue economy. 3. Greater inclusivity Ensuring stronger representation of women, youth and marginalised communities in policymaking and connectivity initiatives. 4. Sustainability and resilience Placing climate action, environmental protection, pandemic preparedness and supply chain resilience at the heart of the agenda.
