When Malaysia takes on the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025, the regional bloc faces significant challenges. From the ongoing crises in Myanmar to territorial disputes in the South China Sea, ASEAN is struggling with maintaining its legitimacy and unity. The question now is whether Malaysia can guide ASEAN out of its current difficulties or if its chairmanship will be purely symbolic without real change.
With high hopes for Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s leadership, Malaysia has the opportunity to redefine ASEAN’s role in a changing world. The key challenges, opportunities, and strategies that Malaysia must focus on to reignite the ASEAN spirit will determine the success of its chairmanship and the future of the region.
The Myanmar Crisis: Time for Tough Love?
The crisis in Myanmar has put ASEAN’s relevance to the test. The bloc’s response has been criticized for its lack of impact, highlighting the limitations of its non-interference and consensus-driven approach. Malaysia could advocate for a more assertive approach by forming a smaller coalition to address the crisis and revitalizing the ASEAN Troika for a more coordinated diplomatic response.
Balancing China: Can Malaysia Keep ASEAN Together?
As a claimant state in the South China Sea dispute and ASEAN’s coordinator for China relations, Malaysia must navigate carefully to maintain ASEAN unity while advocating for a rules-based order in the region. The challenge lies in balancing its own interests with those of the region and ensuring that ASEAN’s collective interests come first.
The Digital Economy and RCEP: Malaysia’s Economic Agenda
Malaysia’s chairmanship presents an opportunity to boost ASEAN’s economic agenda, particularly through the implementation of the RCEP and the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement. Malaysia can lead the way in harmonizing digital policies and infrastructure to drive regional growth and innovation.
Global Realignments: Malaysia’s Shift Toward BRICS and the Middle East
Malaysia’s evolving foreign policy, including closer ties with BRICS nations and the Middle East, could impact ASEAN’s cohesion. Malaysia must ensure its realignments do not undermine ASEAN’s neutrality and central role in the region.
A Year of Leadership or a Year of Missed Opportunities?
As Malaysia takes on the ASEAN Chairmanship, the region looks to it for leadership in navigating complex challenges. The outcome of Malaysia’s efforts will determine the future of ASEAN as a cohesive and effective regional bloc. The world is watching to see if Malaysia can rise to the occasion and restore unity within ASEAN.
As Malaysia assumes the ASEAN Chairmanship, the focus shifts to whether Malaysia can lead ASEAN towards a more united and effective future.