Latest news with #NusantaraAcademyforStrategicResearch
New Straits Times
4 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Asean leaders fortify unity amid growing global challenges
KUALA LUMPUR: The 46th Asean Summit, under Malaysia's chairmanship, has reaffirmed the bloc's commitment to navigating an increasingly complex global landscape, championing unity, economic resilience and principled diplomacy. As the curtains closed on the summit, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim underscored the leaders' resolve to confront mounting geopolitical and economic pressures from the humanitarian crisis in Gaza to the intensifying strategic competition between global powers. Anwar emphasised that Asean must act with a collective voice, grounded in multilateralism and inclusive decision-making. Under Malaysia's chairmanship, one of the most notable institutional developments was the reaffirmation that Timor-Leste's accession to Asean is firmly on track, with full membership expected by October. In his closing press conference, Anwar reiterated Malaysia's strong support for Timor-Leste's integration, pledging that the bloc would do "whatever necessary" to facilitate the process under the Asean Foreign Ministers' framework. The summit also addressed the prolonged Myanmar crisis, with Asean leaders agreeing to push for an expanded nationwide ceasefire as a necessary precursor to inclusive political dialogue. Anwar, who recently engaged both Myanmar's junta chief Min Aung Hlaing and the opposition National Unity Government, said Asean remained a neutral platform for trust-building and eventual reconciliation. One of the summit highlights was the adoption of the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on Asean 2025 and Beyond, a long-term strategic framework aimed at reinforcing Asean centrality and enhancing the bloc's role on the global stage. The declaration envisions a more assertive and responsive Asean in addressing regional concerns like the South China Sea and the Myanmar conflict. Nusantara Academy for Strategic Research senior fellow Dr Azmi Hassan described the declaration as Malaysia's signal that Asean must evolve to stay relevant. "The two main strategies are to increase Asean's involvement globally and reinforce the centrality concept. "This includes staying neutral, especially in great power rivalries and trade conflicts, and being more proactive in shaping the global discourse," he said. While the KL Declaration outlines a 20-year vision, Azmi believes its key goals are achievable within the next three to four years, depending on the direction set by future Asean chairs. "Even as the Philippines takes over the chairmanship next year, Malaysia wants to remain in the pilot seat," he added. On the economic front, the summit produced a strong regional response to the United States' retaliatory tariffs, which target Asean exports with duties ranging from 10 to 49 per cent. Anwar made it clear that unilateral trade actions threatened global economic stability and undermined Asean's commitment to fair and open trade. He confirmed that the bloc would pursue engagement with Washington through diplomatic channels, favouring cooperation over confrontation. As such, any decisions made in regards to the tariffs should not be made to the detriment of other member countries. In a major diplomatic breakthrough, the summit also hosted the inaugural trilateral meeting between Asean, China and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). This, in itself, was a coup of sorts, as Anwar described the gathering attended by Chinese Premier Li Qiang as a strategic milestone and a testament to Asean's growing convening power. This summit was apart from the Asean-GCC Summit, held for only the second time. Anwar said the spirit of Asean centrality remains critical to regional cooperation. The Asean-GCC-China Summit also saw a united call by Asean, China and the GCC for an immediate and lasting ceasefire in Gaza. It condemned attacks on civilians and demanded full humanitarian access, including the restoration of essential services such as water, electricity, food, fuel and medicine. In his closing press conference, Anwar said the summit represented one of the most substantive milestones in Asean's history. He added that the summit had successfully achieved its objectives, attributing the outcome to the strong support and unity among Asean leaders, as well as the bloc's first meaningful simultaneous engagement with the GCC and China. He also said Malaysia's chairmanship would continue to focus on building a more inclusive, sustainable, and resilient Asean, in line with the bloc's long-term vision.
The Star
5 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Not the end of the line for the two party stalwarts, say analysts
PETALING JAYA: The resignation of Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad from the Cabinet is not likely to be the end for them. Instead, it could mark the start of a rebound ahead of the next party polls and 16th General Elections, say analysts. They believe the two still have many allies within the present PKR leadership. Rafizi and Nik Nazmi might be preparing to go for the party's top two positions at the next PKR polls in three years, said Dr Azmi Hassan, senior fellow at Nusantara Academy for Strategic Research. 'Their strategies are much clearer now. 'They are trying to realign their fight in PKR for the top two posts when Anwar's term as Prime Minister ends,' said Azmi. He said Rafizi has allies within the present PKR vice-presidency and central leadership committee line-up. 'Rafizi will not abandon PKR. He will strategise for the next three years for the ultimate post – the party presidency,' said Azmi. He also agreed that Rafizi was appointed as Economy Minister because of his position as party deputy president. 'It is not so much for his acumen or expertise on economic matters. 'So, it is the correct decision by Rafizi (to resign). 'It looks good for him,' said Azmi, referring to Rafizi's public image. Universiti Sains Malaysia's political analyst Prof Dr Sivamurugan Pandian said Rafizi's decision is in line with what he said during the campaign period. 'He is holding on to his word to avoid anyone questioning his political integrity. 'It is expected that Nik Nazmi would follow in Rafizi's footsteps, given the Setiawangsa MP lost his vice-presidency. 'It's a question of principle and political integrity,' said Sivamurugan. Both Azmi and Sivamurugan believe there will be a Cabinet reshuffle in the near future, as the Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz's tenure as senator will also end this December. 'It is timely for the PM to retain, drop or make new appointments,' added Sivamurugan. Last week, Anwar said the Cabinet would not be reshuffled after the PKR polls, but he would not stop any ministers from resigning if they wish to do so. During the party polls, Rafizi lost the deputy presidency post to Anwar's daughter Nurul Izzah, while Nik Nazmi lost the vice-presidency race in an 11-cornered fight.
Malaysian Reserve
26-05-2025
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
Malaysia steers ASEAN Community Vision 2045 toward global relevance
It is supported by 4 strategic plans: Political-security, economic, socio-cultural and connectivity by SHAUQI WAHAB MALAYSIA is expected to direct ASEAN's engagement on peace, cooperation and resilience under the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 toward greater involvement in global affairs while reinforcing its foundational principle of neutrality during the 46th ASEAN Summit. This year marks Malaysia's fifth tenure as ASEAN chair, drawing around 20,000 participants, including delegates, staff and support personnel, to discuss regional cooperation and strategic initiatives. The Asean Community Vision 2045 is supported by four strategic plans: Political-security, economic, socio-cultural and connectivity. These plans aim to deepen regional integration, enhance economic resilience and address various challenges. Focusing on ASEAN centrality and global neutrality, Nusantara Academy for Strategic Research senior fellow Dr Azmi Hassan said Malaysia's priorities go beyond trade and economy. While Prime Minister (PM) Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had stressed economic matters as a priority, Azmi believes the broader objective is strengthening ASEAN centrality and its global relevance. 'I think ASEAN centrality will be the main focus. Anwar as the chairman wants ASEAN to be more involved in what is happening not only within ASEAN, but outside of it,' he told The Malaysian Reserve (TMR). This ambition has already been evident in Anwar's diplomatic engagements, such as offering Malaysia's mediator role in international conflicts like the India-Pakistan dispute and expressing concern over crises in Gaza and Ukraine. Anwar (right) meets Xi to uphold Malaysia's and ASEAN's neutrality, despite external pressure (pic: MEDIA MULIA) Respectable Organisation Azmi said this represents Malaysia's intent to elevate ASEAN's status as a very respectable organisation, capable of constructive engagement in global issues. However, the Myanmar conflict remains a sore point for the bloc. Despite Anwar's meeting with the Myanmar military junta during a visit to Thailand and receiving verbal assurances of a ceasefire, the continued aggression by the junta has undermined ASEAN's collective peace efforts. 'So, I would say that this issue will not be a priority, because the junta will not be present. Whatever ASEAN decided, for example the Five-Point Consensus for Myanmar to return to democracy a few years ago, was never respected,' he added. On the economic front, Azmi pointed to trade concerns with the US, particularly surrounding tariff tensions, as a dominant theme of ASEAN-level discussions. According to Azmi, Malaysia as chairman wants to broaden up the market not only for Malaysia, but also for ASEAN While member states are expected to maintain individual trade strategies, Malaysia is looking to strengthen partnerships through multilateral platforms. He highlighted the upcoming ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) summit — which may include China, Japan and South Korea — as a crucial diplomatic and economic opportunity. According to Azmi, this is a win-win situation. For ASEAN and China, it is a gateway to the lucrative GCC market. 'Malaysia as chairman wants to broaden up the market not only for Malaysia, but also for ASEAN,' he said. He said this approach shows ASEAN's adherence to neutrality despite pressures from global superpowers. Azmi also noted Anwar's recent visit to Moscow and engagement with President Vladimir Putin, along with openness toward Chinese President Xi Jinping, as deliberate diplomatic balancing acts. 'Even though there are pressures not to entertain Xi Ji and also not to visit Moscow, Anwar made a decision to move forward to extend Malaysia's and also ASEAN's neutrality,' he said. Equitable Global Economic Landscape Additionally, Azmi opined that Malaysia and other ASEAN nations' potential alignment with BRICS is not an ideological shift, but a platform to advocate for a more equitable global economic landscape and a level playing field for the Global South. Meanwhile, Global Asia Consulting senior consultant Samirul Ariff Othman said Malaysia's unique blend of non-alignment, moderate diplomacy and strategic geography has positioned it as a vital player in shaping the ASEAN Community Vision 2045. With rising geopolitical competition, ASEAN faces mounting pressure to choose sides, particularly amid US-China rivalry and expanding security pacts in the Indo-Pacific, but he argued that Malaysia can guide the region toward a posture of neutrality and resilience through credible, balanced leadership. 'Malaysia is uniquely positioned to shape ASEAN Vision 2045 due to its tradition of non-alignment, multilateral engagement and its central geography in the region. 'It can play a pivotal role in ensuring that regional stability, neutrality and unity remain at the core of the Vision 2045,' he told TMR. This includes promoting ASEAN Neutral Corridors in critical areas like digital infrastructure, cyberspace and maritime routes, which are increasingly caught in a geostrategic tug-of-war. Samirul Ariff suggested that Malaysia's current initiatives in local currency settlements — such as cross-currency trade with China, Indonesia and Thailand — offer a model of economic autonomy that could inspire broader regional adoption. Samirul Ariff says Malaysia's influence on ASEAN Vision 2045 will rely on its ability to balance ambition with credibility Malaysia's credibility on the global stage is not accidental. Its legacy as a founding member of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and its history of mediating complex regional conflicts — from the Mindanao peace process to dialogues involving Myanmar and Palestine — has earned it the reputation of a neutral broker in South-East Asia. This perception, according to Samirul Ariff, enhances Malaysia's ability to influence ASEAN policy from within. Malaysia's influence on ASEAN Vision 2045 will rely on its ability to balance ambition with credibility. 'By leveraging its legacy of moderation, institutional presence in ASEAN mechanisms and emerging leadership under Anwar's foreign policy recalibration, Malaysia can help steer the region toward a more autonomous, resilient and unified future.' Samirul Ariff then pointed to Malaysia's recent push for ASEAN-wide reforms in security and diplomacy. Among these are efforts to upgrade the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) to include cyber security and pandemic simulations, revive regional preventive diplomacy tools and proposing a maritime neutrality charter to depoliticise key sea lanes. He believes that Malaysia's strength lies in its midpoint diplomacy — engaging simultaneously with China, the US, India and the European Union (EU) — without being drawn into bloc politics. This strategy should be institutionalised in ASEAN Vision 2045 as a model for navigating an increasingly multipolar world. Samirul Ariff added that Malaysia's refusal to host foreign bases or join exclusive security alliances such as the Australia, the UK and US (AUKUS) security partnership reflects its commitment to ASEAN's neutral posture. 'These are political and diplomatic values that can be translated into regional norms,' he said. Key Ministries Shaping ASEAN 2025 Agenda Malaysia's leadership in hosting the ASEAN Summit 2025 is strongly supported by key ministries and government figures, each playing a strategic role in advancing the summit's diplomatic, economic and security agenda. Supporting PM's diplomatic objectives is Foreign Affairs Ministry (Wisma Putra), which is tasked with coordinating multilateral relations, engaging with ASEAN counterparts and shaping the country's official positions on political and security issues. With geopolitical tensions intensifying in the Indo-Pacific, Samirul Ariff said Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan has adopted a firm yet non-confrontational approach at the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM), reaffirming Malaysia's commitment to ASEAN centrality and non-alignment. At the heart of his strategy is the vision to transform ASEAN into a convener rather than a proxy battleground, pushing for the revitalisation of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) with concrete pipelines in green infrastructure, maritime cooperation and disaster resilience. On the South China Sea, Samirul Ariff noted that Mohamad has proposed timeline-based negotiations for a binding code of conduct and convening ASEANChina maritime workshops involving coast guards and environmental agencies. He has also maintained Malaysia's sovereign claims while keeping diplomatic lines open with China. Mohamad is advancing institutional reforms in line with the Asean Community Vision 2045, including a Digital ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Portal and People-Centred Foreign Policy Dialogue — initiatives meant to modernise diplomacy and amplify grassroots voices. Furthermore, he also supports elevating non-traditional security concerns like cyber threats and AI governance within ASEAN's defence dialogue. 'Mohamad's chairmanship signals a confident pivot in Malaysian diplomacy — one that reinforces ASEAN unity while staying agile amid great power rivalries,' Samirul Ariff said. Meanwhile, the Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry (MITI), led by Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, is leading deliberations on regional trade policies, industrial cooperation, digital economy frameworks and response to global tariff tensions. MITI's involvement is crucial in reinforcing Malaysia's push for equitable trade growth and deeper economic integration within ASEAN and beyond. Economy Minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli is providing essential policy input on sustainable development, digital connectivity and long-term economic planning to align Malaysia's economic strategies with ASEAN's broader ambitions. Defence Ministry also plays a vital role in the summit's security and defence-related agenda. Through platforms such as the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM), the ministry contributes to shaping confidence-building measures, peacekeeping cooperation and regional stability, particularly in the face of emerging non-traditional threats such as cybersecurity and maritime security. With deliverables such as the ASEAN Cyber Peace Table and a regional risk monitoring framework on the horizon, Malaysia is asserting itself as a principled middle power shaping ASEAN's future. Held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) from May 26-27, the 46th ASEAN Summit also features the inaugural ASEAN-GCC-China Economic Summit, focusing on themes of inclusivity and sustainability. This article first appeared in The Malaysian Reserve weekly print edition
New Straits Times
23-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Malaysia may lead Timor-Leste's accession to Asean: Economists
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia could take the lead in facilitating Timor-Leste's long-awaited admission into Asean by 2025, economists said. This comes as the bloc grapples with concerns over Timor-Leste's underdeveloped economy, governance capacity and increasingly close ties with China. Despite having submitted its application over a decade ago, Timor-Leste's path to becoming Asean's 11th member remains uncertain. Several member nations expressing apprehensions about the country's preparedness to meet the obligations outlined in the Asean Charter. However, economists believe Malaysia's enduring support and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's active engagement on regional matters may prove instrumental in pushing the agenda forward. Nusantara Academy for Strategic Research senior fellow Dr Azmi Hassan noted that Malaysia has consistently backed Timor-Leste since the country first applied to join Asean. "Malaysia has been their supporter since day one. The hesitation lies mainly with countries like Singapore and Thailand, who are rightly concerned whether Timor-Leste can provide the infrastructure or expertise to host Asean summits or or just any meeting. "But Malaysia, I think, being the chairman this year, will fight very hard to ensure that at least next year or maybe even this year, Timor-Leste will be accepted," he told the New Straits Times. Azmi noted that the urgency is not purely economic, but geopolitical. While geopolitical competition is creating opportunities, he said Timor-Leste must strengthen its institutions to ensure it can capitalise on them. "China has been heavily investing in Timor-Leste. Before the country falls too deep under Beijing's influence, economically and politically, Asean should act fast. It is about ensuring Asean's strategic relevance in the region," he said. Economist specialising in Southeast Asian development Doris Liew said Malaysia may take the lead in supporting Timor-Leste's Asean accession given the positive stance expressed by the prime minister. "This would be a timely and strategic move, especially considering that Timor-Leste submitted its membership application in 2011 and was granted observer status in 2022. "The accession process is already underway, and the country has made notable progress in meeting the required criteria. Supporting Timor-Leste's full membership would mark a meaningful achievement for Malaysia's Asean chairmanship," Liew added. She said Timor-Leste's entry would consolidate all 11 Southeast Asian countries under the Asean umbrella. Given its geographical proximity and active engagement, its membership would add weight and legitimacy to the bloc. Liew, however, said as Asean operates by consensus, any addition of a new member must be carefully managed to ensure alignment with the bloc's values and regional initiatives, including the Asean Economic Community. "The advantages are clear. Timor-Leste's accession is progressing, and the country has shown enthusiasm and willingness to adapt. "A committed new member could help strengthen Asean's image as a unified and dynamic regional grouping. Still, the challenge lies in the diversity of interests among member states. "Adding another voice may complicate decision-making and coordination, especially on sensitive regional matters. However, not all experts are convinced of the benefits," she added. Singapore Institute of International Affairs senior fellow Dr Oh Ei Sun said Asean membership offers little material gain to either party. "Frankly speaking, there is not much benefit attached to Asean membership for either Asean or the country concerned. "Asean members largely grow their economies independently, with limited trade volume between each other," he said. According to Oh, for small countries such as Timor-Leste, Asean membership is perhaps prestigious as it symbolises their acceptance by their larger, more established members. However, he noted that there is not much benefit to Asean as a whole or to individual existing Asean members that could be accrued by Timor-Leste's accession. "Moreover, as Timor-Leste's diplomatic posture remains undetermined, it might or might not turn out to be an obstacle to Asean consensual decision making, like some newer Asean members became," he said. Oh added that Timor-Leste's inclusion may be diplomatically symbolic, but it could also complicate Asean's consensus-driven decision-making process. "Timor-Leste's foreign policy posture remains unclear, and that ambiguity could one day challenge Asean's unity. "Malaysia may want to mark its Asean chairmanship with this achievement, but others may worry that Timor-Leste could become a drag, both socioeconomically and geopolitically," he added.
New Straits Times
14-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Anti-dumping duties on steel, tinplate 'a bit late but apt to protect local industry'
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is somewhat late in implementing anti-dumping duties on steel imports from South Korea and China, an economist said. Nusantara Academy for Strategic Research senior fellow Dr Azmi Hassan also said Malaysia's decision to start imposing such duties on South Korea, China and two others from May 11 should not be seen seen as targeting certain countries. Azmi told Business Times that countries such as Vietnam, Thailand and Indonesia had introduced similar measures weeks earlier. "Their call came in response to the 25 per cent tariff imposed by United States (US) President Donald Trump in January on steel and iron products exported to the US," he said. In March, US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick reaffirmed that the United States intends to implement a 25 per cent tariff on all aluminum and steel imports starting March 12. "Following that executive order, steel from China, South Korea and Japan began flooding the Malaysian market at very low prices, effectively being dumped here, which poses a serious threat to our local steel and iron industry," Azmi said. He, however, said this would not hurt Asean Plus Three (APT) relations, as other Asean countries had already implemented similar anti-dumping policies before us. "Malaysia's move should not be seen as targeting China, South Korea or Japan specifically. It's simply a necessary step to protect our domestic industry in light of the trade distortion triggered by the US tariff decision," he added. On Tuesday, Malaysia moved to impose definitive anti-dumping duties on imports of certain flat-rolled products of iron or non-alloy steel originating from China, India, Japan and South Korea. According to the Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry, the decision follows an investigation conducted under the Countervailing and Anti-Dumping Duties Act 1993 and the corresponding Regulations of 1994. The investigation was launched in response to a petition submitted by Perusahaan Sadur Timah Malaysia Bhd, representing the domestic producers of the affected products. Definitive anti-dumping duties have been imposed at rates ranging from 4.48 per cent to 20.42 per cent for China, 27.88 per cent for India, 15.74 per cent to 36.80 per cent for Japan, and 21.60 per cent to 35.43 per cent for South Korea. The ministry said the Customs Department will implement the collection of these duties on the affected imports for a period of five years, starting from May 11 this year until May 10, 2030. "With the imposition of anti-dumping duties on the imports of subject merchandise from the alleged countries, it is expected that the effects of unfair trade practices will be addressed," it said.
