Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship 2025: Steering Toward Inclusivity and Sustainability
As malaysia assumes teh ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025, the region stands at a crossroads. The theme, “inclusivity and Sustainability,” reflects Malaysia’s ambition to lead the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) toward a resilient future. But can Malaysia, under Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s leadership, navigate the complexities of regional geopolitics and economic challenges to reassert ASEAN centrality?
The ASEAN Dilemma: Cow, Horse, or Donkey?
Table of Contents
- The ASEAN Dilemma: Cow, Horse, or Donkey?
- Malaysia’s Role: A Founding Member with Gravitas
- Opportunities Amid Global Decoupling
- Key Focus Areas for Malaysia’s Chairmanship
- The Road Ahead
- Malaysia’s Cautious Approach
- ASEAN’s Consensus-Based Challenges
- The Philippines’ Potential Game-Changer
- Malaysia’s Role in Shaping ASEAN’s Future
- Key Points at a Glance
- Looking Ahead
- Economic Ties vs. sovereignty Claims
- ASEAN’s Fragmented Response
- Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025: A Turning Point?
- Conclusion: A Delicate Balancing Act
Singaporean diplomat Kausikan Bilahari once famously compared ASEAN to a “cow” rather than a “horse,” highlighting its sluggish and wavering nature. He argued that criticizing ASEAN for being an “imperfect horse” misses the point, as it was never meant to be one. Yet, ASEAN has frequently enough projected itself as the “main driver” of regional integration, aiming to establish a common market by 2025.
This duality raises questions about ASEAN’s identity. Is it a slow but reliable “donkey,” as some suggest, or does it risk becoming a marginal player in the Indo-Pacific region? Malaysia’s leadership this year could be pivotal in answering this question.
Malaysia’s Role: A Founding Member with Gravitas
As a founding member of ASEAN and one of its most developed nations, Malaysia has the gravitas to steer the region toward greater internal coherence.Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim,a seasoned internationalist, is well-positioned to champion initiatives that enhance regional resilience. However, challenges such as opportunistic complacency, greed, and fear could undermine efforts to reassert ASEAN centrality.
At the recent Asean Economic Opinion Leaders Conference in Kuala Lumpur, hosted by the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), the recurring theme was “neutrality.” Speakers, predominantly businessmen and technocrats, emphasized the need for ASEAN to avoid taking sides in global conflicts and instead focus on attracting investments and strengthening economic foundations.
Opportunities Amid Global Decoupling
Tan Sri Nazir Razak, chairman of Malaysia’s branch of the Asean Business Advisory Council (BAC), highlighted the opportunities arising from the decoupling between the United States and China. He argued that ASEAN nations could benefit immensely from this shift by positioning themselves as neutral hubs for trade and investment.
Political scientist Cheng-Chwee Kuik echoed this sentiment, suggesting that regional states should continue to “hedge” in an era of geopolitical uncertainty. This strategy, while pragmatic, raises questions about ASEAN’s ability to take decisive action in the face of mounting challenges.
Key Focus Areas for Malaysia’s Chairmanship
To steer ASEAN toward a resilient future, Malaysia must prioritize inclusivity, sustainability, and economic diversification. These efforts align with ASEAN’s 2040 goals, which emphasize regional resilience and balanced leadership.
| Key Focus Areas | Objectives |
|—————————–|——————————————————————————-|
| Inclusivity | Champion initiatives that ensure all member states benefit from regional growth. |
| Sustainability | Promote green policies and lasting development practices. |
| Economic Diversification | Reduce reliance on single industries and attract diverse investments. |
| Geopolitical Neutrality | Maintain ASEAN’s centrality by avoiding alignment with major powers. |
The Road Ahead
Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025 is a pivotal moment for the region. By championing inclusivity and sustainability, Malaysia can help mitigate geopolitical rivalries and maintain ASEAN’s centrality in the regional architecture. However, success will depend on the region’s ability to overcome internal challenges and seize opportunities in a rapidly changing global landscape.
As the year unfolds, all eyes will be on malaysia to see if it can transform ASEAN from a “cow” or “donkey” into a more decisive and resilient force in the Indo-Pacific.
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For more insights on Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship, explore this analysis by Elina Noor, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.ASEAN’s Strategic Dilemma: Navigating Superpower Rivalries in a Fragmented Region
In a world increasingly defined by geopolitical uncertainty, the Association of southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) finds itself at a crossroads. The region’s states, long accustomed to balancing relations between superpowers, are now being forced to make choices they’d rather avoid. As China and the United States intensify their rivalry,ASEAN’s strategic indecision risks becoming a liability rather than a strength.
The problem, however, is that even if ASEAN states don’t want to choose, the superpowers will force them to do so. China is reportedly building its first regional naval base in Cambodia, while the United States is expanding its military presence in the northern Philippines bordering Taiwan. A more mercurial and hawkish second Trump governance will only exacerbate this dynamic, raising the cost of strategic indecision and complacent opportunism.
since coming to power,Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has been more busy bashing the West for supposed “Sinophobia” than expressing solidarity with fellow ASEAN countries such as the Philippines bearing the brunt of China’s bullying in the South China Sea. If anything, Malaysia’s leadership has been more than eager to promote China as a regional “big brother” and an indispensable partner for development. To make matters worse,most ASEAN states have couched strategic diffidence as wise “hedging,” naively assuming that by talking softly to revisionist superpowers,they can preserve their core interests.
Confronted by China’s constant harassment in the South China Sea, and receiving minimal support from ASEAN states, the Philippines may eventually be forced to join an America-led containment strategy against china. But naked pragmatism is also at play. From Malaysia to Vietnam, Singapore and Indonesia, key ASEAN states are benefiting from massive inflows of Chinese investments. If anything, they are leveraging the “China card” to lure counter-investments from the West with varying degrees of success.
“ASEAN may not be a horse, but Malaysia is in a position to make the regional body more of a donkey: a frustratingly sluggish but sufficiently efficient organisation.”
Malaysia, in particular, is bracing for a massive influx of investments from neighbouring Singapore, a conduit of Chinese investments, ahead of Trump’s expected tariffs on Beijing and other major Asian economies. With Malaysia on the cusp of attaining the much-vaunted “high-income” status in the coming year, it has every reason to keep relations with major economic partners on an even keel.
The final factor is fear. The Philippines, caught in the crossfire of superpower rivalries, faces the stark reality of limited regional support. As ASEAN states continue to hedge their bets, the region’s fragmentation risks deepening, leaving individual nations to navigate an increasingly volatile geopolitical landscape.
Key Dynamics in ASEAN’s Geopolitical Balancing Act
| Factor | Impact |
| China’s Naval Expansion | Building a regional naval base in Cambodia, intensifying maritime dominance |
| US Military Presence | Expanding in northern Philippines, countering China’s influence |
| Economic Pragmatism | ASEAN states leveraging Chinese investments to attract Western counter-investments |
| Strategic Hedging | Naive assumption that soft diplomacy can preserve core interests |
| Malaysia’s Role | promoting China as a “big brother,” bracing for Singapore-led investments |
As ASEAN states grapple with these pressures, the region’s future hinges on whether it can maintain its conventional balancing act or succumb to the forces pulling it apart. The stakes are high, and the choices are fraught with risk.
Call to Action:
To stay informed on ASEAN’s evolving geopolitical landscape, explore deeper insights into China’s regional strategies and the US’s countermeasures.Engage with expert analyses to understand how these dynamics shape Southeast Asia’s future.ASEAN’s Delicate Balancing Act: Malaysia’s Role in the South china sea Dispute
The South China Sea remains one of the most contentious geopolitical flashpoints in Asia,with ASEAN member states navigating a complex web of alliances,rivalries,and diplomatic pressures. Among them,Malaysia has emerged as a key player,often walking a tightrope between asserting its interests and avoiding direct confrontation with China.
Malaysia’s Cautious Approach
Malaysia’s strategy in the South China Sea has been marked by a mix of pragmatism and caution. The country is acutely aware of the asymmetry of military power in the region, which has led to a general reluctance to confront China both diplomatically and operationally. This cautious stance was evident when Malaysia’s navy chief recently declared that the South China Sea is “safe and under control,” a statement that some analysts argue parroted beijing’s talking points.
At times,Kuala Lumpur has chosen to criticize external alliances like the AUKUS pact (a trilateral security agreement between Australia,the UK,and the US) or subtly undermine the Philippines’ uncompromising stance in the south China Sea. These moves are seen as attempts to appease Beijing, even as Malaysia has directly benefited from Manila’s historic arbitration case against China’s excessive claims in disputed waters.
ASEAN’s Consensus-Based Challenges
The broader ASEAN framework adds another layer of complexity to the issue. With the majority of ASEAN states being non-claimants in the South China Sea disputes,there is little incentive for the regional body to take a decisive stance. the consensus-based decision-making process further complicates matters, making breakthroughs on this pressing geopolitical conflict unlikely.
However,the Philippines’ upcoming chairmanship of ASEAN in 2026—following Myanmar junta’s disqualification from hosting the events—could shift the dynamics. Manila is expected to proactively lobby its ASEAN counterparts to resist Chinese pressure. This could lead to renewed efforts to negotiate a legally-binding Code of Conduct and increased focus on the South China Sea disputes in ASEAN’s joint statements this year.
The Philippines’ Potential Game-Changer
The Philippines’ leadership could also expose deep fault lines within ASEAN. if Manila chooses to take a more assertive approach, it could push the regional body in a radically different direction, challenging the status quo and testing the limits of ASEAN unity.
Malaysia’s Role in Shaping ASEAN’s Future
Despite these challenges, Malaysia remains in a unique position to influence ASEAN’s trajectory. Described as a “donkey” rather than a “horse,” ASEAN under Malaysia’s guidance could become a frustratingly sluggish yet sufficiently efficient association. It would continue to table pressing regional concerns while asserting a measure of ASEAN centrality amid the intensifying US-China rivalry in Asia.
Key Points at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|—————————|—————————————————————————–|
| Malaysia’s Stance | Cautious, avoids direct confrontation with China, occasionally appeases Beijing. |
| ASEAN’s Challenges | consensus-based decision-making, majority non-claimants, limited incentives. |
| Philippines’ Chairmanship | Expected to lobby ASEAN against chinese pressure, push for code of Conduct. |
| Malaysia’s Role | Balances pragmatism and caution, shapes ASEAN’s sluggish yet efficient approach. |
Looking Ahead
As ASEAN navigates the turbulent waters of the South China Sea disputes, Malaysia’s role will be crucial in maintaining regional stability. While the Philippines’ upcoming chairmanship could bring fresh momentum, the consensus-driven nature of ASEAN means progress will likely remain incremental.
For now, the region watches closely as Malaysia continues to balance its interests, ensuring that ASEAN remains a relevant player in the face of growing superpower competition.
stay informed about the latest developments in the South China Sea and ASEAN’s evolving role by following our updates.
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Economic Ties vs. sovereignty Claims
Malaysia’s approach is further complex by its deep economic ties wiht China. As one of ASEAN’s largest trading partners, China has poured significant investments into Malaysia, particularly in infrastructure projects like the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL).These economic benefits have made Kuala Lumpur wary of antagonizing beijing, even as it quietly asserts its sovereignty claims in the South China Sea.
For instance, Malaysia has continued to explore oil and gas resources within its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), often overlapping with China’s expansive claims. However, these activities are conducted with minimal fanfare, avoiding direct confrontation with Beijing. This balancing act reflects Malaysia’s broader strategy of “quiet diplomacy”, where it seeks to protect its interests without escalating tensions.
ASEAN’s Fragmented Response
Malaysia’s cautious approach mirrors the broader fragmentation within ASEAN regarding the South China Sea dispute. While countries like the Philippines and Vietnam have taken a more assertive stance, others, such as Cambodia and laos, have aligned more closely with china. This lack of unity undermines ASEAN’s ability to present a cohesive front, allowing external powers to exploit divisions within the bloc.
Malaysia’s role as a mediator within ASEAN is crucial, but its reluctance to take a stronger stand risks perpetuating the region’s strategic indecision. As China continues to militarize the South China Sea and the US ramps up its military presence in the region, ASEAN’s inability to forge a unified response could leave individual member states increasingly vulnerable.
Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025: A Turning Point?
Malaysia’s upcoming ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025 presents an possibility to recalibrate its approach and strengthen regional unity. By championing inclusivity and sustainability, Malaysia could help mitigate geopolitical rivalries and reinforce ASEAN’s centrality in the Indo-Pacific. Though, success will depend on its ability to navigate internal challenges and foster consensus among member states.
One key area where Malaysia could make a difference is in advancing the Code of Conduct (COC) negotiations for the South China Sea. While progress has been slow, Malaysia’s leadership could inject new momentum into the process, ensuring that ASEAN’s interests are safeguarded in any final agreement.
Conclusion: A Delicate Balancing Act
Malaysia’s role in the South China Sea dispute underscores the broader challenges facing ASEAN in an era of intensifying superpower rivalries. While its cautious approach has allowed it to maintain economic ties with China and avoid direct confrontation, it also risks undermining ASEAN’s collective strength.
As Malaysia prepares to assume the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025, it must strike a delicate balance between protecting its national interests and advancing regional unity. The stakes are high, and the choices it makes will have far-reaching implications for the future of Southeast Asia.
Call to Action:
To stay informed on Malaysia’s evolving role in ASEAN and the South China Sea dispute, explore expert analyses and engage with discussions on regional security and diplomacy. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for navigating the complexities of the Indo-Pacific’s geopolitical landscape.
