Asean's voice took centre stage at a time world lost its balance

New York - Asean is increasingly being seen as a vital voice in tackling a variety of global concerns, with the international community often anticipating its perspectives. Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan highlighted Asean's growing influence, noting that the regional alliance has emerged as a significant middle power through consensus among its 11 member states on matters such as peace, human rights, and adherence to international law.

Mohamad emphasized that the world is currently grappling with geopolitical and economic uncertainties, during which time Asean's unified stance on these issues is gaining greater attention. He shared these remarks during his working visit, concluding his trip alongside the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.

He also pointed out that Asean, with a combined population of nearly 700 million, is one of the world's fastest-growing economies and is projected to become the fourth-largest economic power by 2030. Consequently, the international community continually seeks Asean's insights and stances on various matters. However, Mohamad cautioned that Asean must maintain its neutrality and avoid appearing to align with any specific nation, as any perception of favoritism could undermine the bloc's credibility.

He reiterated that Asean's positions revolve around universal issues like human rights violations and breaches of international law. Mohamad also explained that when Asean voices an opinion, it reflects the collective perspective of its member states, amplifying its strength and influence compared to individual member actions. This cooperative approach allows Asean to continue serving as a bridge for dialogue and a trusted source for addressing complex global challenges.