KUALA LUMPUR: The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) must focus on reinforcing its economic strengths to maintain unity amid the crises in Myanmar and the South China Sea.
In an exclusive interview with Nikkei Asia today, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said Asean needs a more aggressive and dynamic approach to ensure that it remains a 'cohesive' force.
He also said that he would prioritise the economic sector, particularly by enhancing Asean's focus on trade, investment, collaboration, and comparative advantage.
"I think we need to explore more. Focusing on the economic sector will be my priority," Anwar was quoted as saying in the interview on the sidelines of Nikkei's Future of Asia summit in Tokyo.
Timor-Leste currently holds an observer position in Asean and will join the bloc by 2025, with Malaysia next holding the rotating chairmanship.
Simultaneously, Anwar also said that the 10-member Southeast Asian bloc has been successful and remains one of the most peaceful regional organisations, operating with minimal conflict.
He, however, said the region's non-interference policy over the affairs of its member countries has been challenged by the ongoing conflict in Myanmar.
In 2021, Asean proposed the Five-Point Consensus (5PC) as a reference for finding a solution to the military takeover in Myanmar, despite little progress being made.
The Prime Minister also said that the recent increase in violence between armed militants and the military regime has become 'more complex', resulting in less stability and a less-receptive military junta.
Meanwhile, he said that the Philippines' president Ferdinand Marcos Jr has also expressed concerns over the rising tensions in the South China Sea, particularly between the Philippines and China, which have escalated their maritime dispute in recent weeks.
"However, our position remains that engagement is important. We will also be helpful by conveying their concerns to China as an important partner in Asean.
"But the way forward is still trying to seek peaceful resolutions through negotiations."
On the same topic, Anwar stressed that Malaysia will never compromise its territorial integrity despite having maritime concerns about China.
This comes after several Chinese Coast Guard ships were sighted near oil and gas fields belonging to Asean member countries, including Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam, in April.
Meanwhile, he expressed hopes to extend cooperation with developed countries such as Japan, which has played a significant role in the growth and development of Asean economies, benefiting from Japanese investment and trade.
"Prime Minister (Fumio) Kishida has also been very forthcoming on this."