Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has announced the appointment of former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra as an informal adviser to Malaysia’s chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2025.
In a joint press conference on Monday with Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who is also Thaksin’s daughter, Anwar confirmed the decision, emphasizing Thaksin’s extensive political experience and regional influence.
“I have agreed to appoint [Thaksin] as my informal adviser on chairing ASEAN, along with a team of members from ASEAN countries in an informal setup,” Anwar said, thanking Paetongtarn for her cooperation in strengthening Malaysia-Thailand relations.
Thaksin’s Political Legacy and Advisory Role
Thaksin Shinawatra served as Thailand’s prime minister from 2001 to 2006, during which he introduced significant economic and social reforms. His appointment as an informal adviser marks a unique collaboration, showcasing the intertwined political and economic interests of ASEAN nations.
The Malaysian prime minister noted that Thaksin’s insights would help Malaysia navigate the challenges of leading the 10-member bloc, particularly as ASEAN addresses regional security, economic integration, and human rights issues.
Joint Efforts for Regional Peace and Stability
During the press conference, both Anwar and Paetongtarn reiterated their commitment to fostering peace and prosperity in the region. Addressing the contentious South China Sea dispute, they urged all parties to adhere to the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
Anwar expressed hope that Malaysia’s chairmanship would lead to constructive dialogue and stronger regional cooperation. “We are committed to maintaining the dynamics of our relationship and our efforts towards common peace and prosperity,” Paetongtarn added.
Focus on Myanmar’s Role in ASEAN
Anwar also highlighted Malaysia’s position on Myanmar, a member state embroiled in political turmoil since the 2021 military coup. The Malaysian premier reaffirmed the bloc’s commitment to the Five-Point Consensus (5PC), a peace framework aimed at addressing Myanmar’s crisis.
“What is also pertinent is our position on Myanmar. While we are committed to fully implementing the Five-Point Consensus, we are taking measures through informal dialogues at different levels to ensure that Myanmar participates and is brought back to the forefront of ASEAN,” Anwar stated.
This approach reflects Malaysia’s strategy to balance diplomatic engagement with firm commitments to regional stability.
Malaysia Prepares for ASEAN Leadership in 2025
Malaysia is set to assume ASEAN’s chairmanship on January 1, 2025, succeeding Laos. The chairmanship comes at a crucial time for the 10-member bloc, which represents over 700 million people across 4.5 million square kilometers, with a collective GDP of $3.62 trillion in 2022.
As chair, Malaysia will lead discussions on key issues, including economic integration, climate change, and regional security. Anwar’s decision to appoint an experienced adviser like Thaksin underscores Malaysia’s determination to make its tenure impactful.
This strategic collaboration between Malaysia and Thailand, through Anwar and Paetongtarn’s leadership, sets the stage for strengthened ASEAN unity in the coming year.
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