[UPDATED] Rein in foreign powers' rivalry in Asean, Anwar urges member states

JAKARTA – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) to leverage on its reputation as a successful grouping of neighbours to rein in major foreign powers whose antagonism towards each other is taking place within and around the region.

Speaking at the plenary session of the 43rd Asean Summit here today, he stressed that parties outside Southeast Asia have recognised Asean as one of the world’s most successful regional blocs, particularly in its ability to maintain a region that is “peaceful, stable, secure and prosperous.”

“This has attracted many to establish relations with Asean, including major powers, whose rivalries are being played out right at the centre of and adjacent to our region.

“The competition among them is impacting the implementation of cooperative initiatives under Asean-led mechanisms such as the East Asia Summit and Asean Regional Forum,” he said.

“Asean has a unique opportunity through its plus platforms to bring together the competing parties to remind them of the need to prioritise dialogue and cooperation, to promote healthy competition and to ensure what they bring into their relations with Asean would help maintain peace, stability and prosperity in this region.”

The session at the Jakarta Convention Centre here was chaired by President Joko Widodo of Indonesia, which is the host and chair of the summit this year.

Guard against divisive moves

Touching on the 2023 edition of the “standard map of China” which encroaches on Malaysia’s maritime territory, Anwar said that Putrajaya has clearly stated its position. 

On August 30, the Foreign Ministry had asserted that Malaysia does not recognise China’s claims in the South China Sea, as outlined in the new map.

Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Zambry Abdul Kadir told reporters later that the government would send a protest note to China over the latter’s claims regarding the South China Sea as illustrated in the map.

Anwar warned that Asean must guard against divisive actions from major powers, and constantly uphold “Asean centrality”.

“Furthermore, we need to strengthen our institutional capacities, streamline our mechanisms, and ensure timely implementation of our decisions,” he said. 

“We must not allow all that has been achieved be undermined by the unbridled rivalry of major powers.

“Issues in the South China Sea must be managed in a peaceful and rational way through dialogue and consultation in accordance with the universally recognised principle of international law, including the UN Convention on the Law of the Seas 1982,” he said.

Heighten intra-Asean trade

Cautioning against global economic uncertainties, Anwar noted that Asean countries have a combined GDP nearing US$3 trillion (RM14 trillion), collectively making them the fifth largest economy globally. 

He added that Asean is projected to become the fourth largest economy by 2030. 

Anwar said there must be a push for greater economic integration within Asean with a regional economic architecture that is “vibrant, inclusive, sustainable and resilient”.

“We should increase intra-Asean trade, which currently stands at only 22.3%,” he said. 

“Greater strategic arrangements should be undertaken to enhance market integration and facilitate the movement of goods, capital, skilled workforce, and technology sharing among ourselves as well as with our external partners. 

“Partnership with external partners to contribute towards this aim should also be heightened.” – The Vibes, September 5, 2023