Malaysia’s Asean chair to-do list, from unrest to tariffs – and Trump

On By Littum

Malaysia takes over the helm in Asean at a time when we see threats and opportunities, with Donald Trumps taxing return to the world stage, heightened tensions in the South China Sea and deepening bloodshed in Myanmar are poised to test the prime minister’s diplomatic skills Anwar Ibrahim.

For Anwar, 77, this is the crowning achievement of a career that has weathered persecution, imprisonment and decades in opposition. Since taking office in late 2022, he has worked to restore Malaysia’s global reputation after years of domestic political turmoil and introspective government.

His international forays have seen him rattle through visits to China, the US, India, Russia and Turkey – to name just a few – signaling his administration’s focus on foreign relations and an acute awareness of the security and economic challenges ahead.

But will that be enough? Chairmanship of Association of Southeast Asian Nations comes with responsibilities that are both symbolic and strategic – hosting key meetings, setting the agenda on key issues including trade, security and disputes, and acting as the face of the region in global diplomacy.

As a whole, the bloc represents the fifth largest economy on Earth, with a combined gross domestic product of US$3.6 trillion, growing a combined 4.5 percent by 2024.

Yet its effectiveness remains limited by consensus-driven decision-making that can render it toothless when it comes to the most pressing issues. Critics have derided Asean as a “talking shop” incapable of decisive action, and Malaysia’s year in charge is unlikely to escape the same scrutiny.

“Chairs will be judged on how they manage – or mismanage – hot-button issues, which there are plenty for Malaysia to juggle this year,” said Thomas Daniel, a foreign policy analyst at Malaysia’s Institute of Strategic and International Studies. for this week. in Asia.