AS ASEAN enters a critical phase of regional recalibration, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has urged the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) to play a “pivotal role” in shaping the bloc’s future — one anchored in inclusivity, resilience and people-first policy.
“AIPA must be encouraged and exposed to the workings and materials of ASEAN,” said Anwar at the ASEAN Leaders’ Interface with AIPA Representatives, part of the 46th ASEAN Summit held in Kuala Lumpur. “Every decision made by Parliament or Congress will inevitably affect the course of negotiation.”
His remarks underscore a rising consensus that ASEAN’s next chapter must be co-authored not just by technocrats and diplomats, but by elected lawmakers entrusted with the public mandate.
As the region tackles intensifying challenges — from climate disruption and digital governance to food security and equitable growth — parliaments cannot remain passive observers. “The voice of the people, expressed through their elected representatives, must be counted in every decision that shapes our region,” Anwar added.
Also present at the session was Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul, who now serves as AIPA’s 46th President. Both leaders expressed support for expanding AIPA’s influence across ASEAN’s three foundational pillars — political-security, economic, and socio-cultural.
Meanwhile, in bilateral talks on the summit sidelines, Anwar and his Cambodian counterpart Hun Manet reaffirmed joint commitment to deepen cooperation in areas including trade, Islamic finance, energy, education, and cybersecurity.
“This close cooperation reflects the strong commitment of both countries to play an active role in shaping a peaceful, stable and prosperous region,” Anwar said following their meeting.
The summit also serves as a historic moment for Timor-Leste, whose Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão voiced strong optimism that full ASEAN membership could be secured by October.
“We have done our best and fulfilled most of the requirements. Of course, one, two or three more things remain to be addressed,” he told reporters ahead of his attendance at the ASEAN-AIPA dialogue.
Timor-Leste has been an official observer since 2022, more than a decade after first applying for membership.
Its full integration is now widely seen as a matter of “when”, not “if”.
Foreign Minister Bendito dos Santos Freitas argued the country’s accession is essential not just economically, but geopolitically.
“Full membership is vital for this small country of 1.4 million — not only in terms of economic benefits, but also due to its strategic location between Indonesia and Australia,” he said, noting the alignment with ASEAN’s Indo-Pacific Outlook.
Malaysia’s fifth turn as ASEAN Chair — under the theme “Inclusivity and Sustainability” — comes at a time when the region must evolve beyond intergovernmental minimalism. The summit’s two other landmark gatherings — the 2nd ASEAN-GCC Summit and the first ASEAN-GCC-China Summit — suggest that the region’s diplomatic tempo is rising.
But with more summits comes greater responsibility. The challenge now is ensuring parliamentary voices are not sidelined amid high-level handshakes.
If ASEAN is serious about building a community that reflects its people’s aspirations, then the presence — and influence — of AIPA must be more than symbolic. It must be structural. - May 26, 2025
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