Biased Allegations Against Malaysia S Asean Chairmanship

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The criticisms of Malaysia’s Asean chairmanship, as put forward by Bridget Welsh, are entirely unfounded and misleading, and fail to recognise Malaysia’s strategic approach and unwavering commitment to strengthening the regional bloc.
Welsh’s arguments are not only factually weak but also appear to be motivated by a persistent personal bias against Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
Strategic leadership and vision for Asean
The accusation that Malaysia’s chairmanship is excessively focused on Anwar is an oversimplification that blatantly ignores the broader vision Malaysia has consistently championed for Asean. Malaysia has long emphasised Asean unity and centrality, fostering regional stability and economic prosperity.
Anwar’s leadership is not a liability but an invaluable asset. His extensive diplomatic experience and regional influence position him as a statesperson capable of elevating Asean’s role on the global stage.
His engagement with key stakeholders, including the appointment of former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, is a strategic move to leverage experienced regional figures in guiding Asean’s growth.
It is not a matter of personal preference but a calculated effort to enhance Asean’s diplomatic effectiveness. Furthermore, Thaksin is only one among various experienced leaders appointed to assist in Asean’s development - thus making Welsh’s argument not only flawed but deliberately misleading.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Asean adviser Thaksin ShinawatraAdditionally, Malaysia’s distinguished track record in championing Asean integration, economic cooperation, and regional security stands as irrefutable proof that its leadership extends beyond Anwar’s individual profile. Malaysia’s chairmanship is about strengthening Asean - not about personalising its leadership.
Clear and well-defined priorities
Welsh’s assertion that Malaysia lacks a coherent roadmap is laughable, particularly when Malaysia’s strategic agenda was clearly outlined during the Asean Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) Retreat on Jan 19. The comprehensive discussions reaffirmed Malaysia’s key priorities, including regional security, economic integration and humanitarian efforts.
Malaysia’s chairmanship theme - sustainability - is particularly crucial in tackling pressing regional concerns such as environmental protection, renewable energy cooperation and food security. Moreover, Malaysia has played a leading role in advancing climate resilience measures through the Asean Centre for Climate Change.
Welsh’s failure to acknowledge this only highlights her superficial understanding of Asean’s intricate policy framework. Asean’s decision-making process is collective by design, requiring in-depth discussions before finalising concrete actions - something that Welsh conveniently ignores in her critique.
It is evident that Welsh has very scant knowledge of what really transpired at the AMM Retreat, where Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan explained in detail the priorities of Malaysia’s Asean chairmanship in 2025.
These are:
1. Strengthening Asean centrality: Malaysia aims to promote strategic trust among nations through sustained dialogue, diplomacy, and goodwill. Working closely with Member States, Malaysia seeks to expand Asean’s partnerships beyond regional borders. In an evolving global landscape, Asean must forge a cooperative regional order built on pragmatism and accommodation.
2. Enhancing intra-Asean trade and investment: Malaysia is committed to fostering greater economic integration. The convening of the Asean-GCC plus China Summit in Kuala Lumpur in 2025 is a testament to this commitment.
Furthermore, Malaysia seeks to leverage advancements in science, technology, and innovation, ensuring Asean harnesses the benefits of digital transformation and emerging technologies.
3. Inclusivity and sustainability: The core theme of the chairmanship prioritises narrowing developmental gaps, improving living standards, and addressing the adverse impacts of climate change. This vision aims to foster sustainable growth, prosperity, and equitable development across Asean.
Mohamad also clarified that these priorities will be implemented through all Asean community pillars and relevant sectoral bodies, ensuring systematic execution. Further details will be communicated through the appropriate Asean mechanisms.
Foreign Minister Mohamad HasanAdditionally, Malaysia intends to issue the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on Asean Community Vision 2045, aligning with the formal adoption of the Vision at the 46th Asean Summit in Kuala Lumpur in May 2025.
Thus, Welsh’s claim that Malaysia lacks a coherent roadmap for its Asean chairmanship is not just incorrect - it is an outright display of analytical shallowness.
Proactive economic and trade policies
The claim that Malaysia is unprepared to address economic threats is an outright misrepresentation. Malaysia has already spearheaded dialogues on strengthening intra-Asean trade and securing multilateral agreements to mitigate potential economic disruptions.
The concern regarding the US administration’s trade policies is a regional issue and Malaysia is actively fostering trade diversification, ensuring that Asean remains resilient against external economic shocks. Malaysia has initiated steps to bolster regional supply chains, encourage digital trade, and promote intra-Asean investments.
Myanmar crisis
Welsh’s suggestion that Malaysia’s approach to Myanmar is inadequate exposes her limited understanding of Asean’s diplomatic mechanisms. Malaysia remains committed to the Five-Point Consensus while advocating for an inclusive engagement strategy that considers multiple stakeholders.
Mohamad explicitly stated at the AMM Retreat that Malaysia is fully committed to utilising all available diplomatic channels, including the Troika Mechanism, to address the crisis in Myanmar.
He reaffirmed Malaysia’s support for scaling up humanitarian assistance without discrimination and its collaboration with Asean member states and dialogue partners for a collective response.
Transnational crime and regional security
The assertion that Asean is “in denial” about transnational crime ignores Malaysia’s proactive and unwavering stance on combating human trafficking, cyber fraud and illicit financial activities.
Malaysia has been at the forefront of reinforcing intelligence-sharing mechanisms and law enforcement cooperation to dismantle regional scam networks. Stronger penalties against cybercrime syndicates and human trafficking operations have already been introduced.
Additionally, Malaysia is working closely with Asean counterparts to counter illegal online gambling and financial fraud - critical issues that directly impact regional economies.
Welsh’s history of relentless criticism against Anwar raises serious questions about her objectivity. Her commentary is not an isolated critique but part of a long-standing pattern of selectively attacking Anwar’s leadership.
In November, she authored a scathing review of Anwar’s government, indulging in unsubstantiated claims that Malaysia’s unity government is unstable, that it has embraced conservative Islamisation and that it has become a so-called “Madani cartel” prioritising consolidation over reforms.
Conclusion
The criticisms against Malaysia’s Asean chairmanship are not just flawed - they are baseless and steeped in bias. Malaysia is demonstrating strategic leadership, clear priorities and proactive economic and security policies. It is addressing transnational crime with firm action and taking a balanced approach to resolving the Myanmar crisis.
Malaysia’s Asean chairmanship is in capable hands and under its leadership Asean is well-positioned to navigate regional challenges and strengthen its global standing.
It is time for critics like Welsh to abandon their prejudiced narratives and acknowledge the tangible progress Malaysia is making in steering Asean toward a brighter future. - Mkini
RUSDI OMAR is the dean of the Ghazali Shafie Graduate School of Government, Universiti Utara Malaysia.
The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of MMKtT.

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