KUALA LUMPUR: The emphasis on Malaysia's chairmanship of ASEAN in the 2025 Budget reflects the country's commitment to leading the regional bloc, particularly in strengthening economic cooperation among ASEAN member states.
Geostrategist Prof. Dr. Azmi Hassan pointed out that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's focus on enhancing border areas between Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand during the tabling of the budget is a positive step toward achieving this goal.
"Developing and prospering these border areas will benefit the neighbouring countries involved.
"The prime minister has emphasised the importance of economic prosperity, even while acknowledging persistent challenges such as tensions in the South China Sea and the Rohingya refugee crisis, but boosting the economy was clearly highlighted in the 2025 Budget," he told Bernama.
The senior fellow at the Nusantara Academy of Strategic Research suggested that Malaysia must also take the lead in increasing intra-ASEAN trade, particularly among neighbouring nations.
Azmi added that the prime minister's proposal to use local handicrafts as souvenirs for ASEAN delegates at over 270 meetings in Malaysia is a great way to showcase the country's unique culture and support the local craft industry.
He also stressed the need for all relevant ministries and agencies to intensify ASEAN-related promotional activities, rather than depending solely on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Meanwhile, Pacific Research Centre of Malaysia, principal adviser, Dr Oh Ei Sun, said the emphasis on enhancing economic and social interactions between ASEAN countries, as stated by the Prime Minister in the budget speech, is a strong starting point for Malaysia's role as ASEAN Chair next year.
Noting that the Prime Minister is internationally well-known, the senior fellow at the Singapore Institute of International Affairs, said Anwar has some diplomatic capital to spare.
"But he must also judiciously deploy this sort of goodwill as Malaysia chairs ASEAN next year, focusing on issues that are truly relevant to ASEAN, such as economic revitalisation and integration," he added.
During the tabling of Budget 2025, the Prime Minister affirmed Malaysia's commitment to a collaborative approach in shaping the reform agenda at the ASEAN level. This includes driving development in border areas with neighbouring countries to ensure mutual prosperity. – BERNAMA