18-12-2024 (SINGAPORE) Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has announced the formation of an informal advisory team for Malaysia’s upcoming ASEAN chairmanship, raising both eyebrows and expectations across the region.
The announcement, made during Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s official visit, revealed that her father, former Thai Premier Thaksin Shinawatra, would be among the advisers. The team is expected to include other prominent figures such as former Singapore Foreign Minister George Yeo and Indonesia’s former top diplomat Retno Marsudi.
This unconventional approach to ASEAN leadership has drawn mixed reactions from regional experts. “This is quite a departure from standard practice,” notes Dr. James Wilson, Director of the Southeast Asian Policy Institute. “While ASEAN regularly appoints eminent persons for specific tasks, having a chair establish their own informal advisory group is virtually unheard of.”
The timing of this initiative appears particularly significant as ASEAN grapples with two major challenges: the ongoing Myanmar crisis and escalating tensions in the South China Sea. These issues have proven particularly resistant to traditional diplomatic approaches, leading some observers to suggest that Anwar’s move might represent an attempt to break the diplomatic deadlock through unconventional means.
However, the appointment has not been without controversy, particularly regarding Thaksin’s inclusion. Opposition figures in Malaysia have questioned the wisdom of appointing an adviser with a controversial political history, though supporters argue his regional influence and international connections could prove valuable.
Malaysia’s Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan has defended the decision, emphasising Thaksin’s unique position as a figure with strong connections to both Western powers and China. “In today’s complex geopolitical landscape, such broad-ranging relationships could prove invaluable,” he stated.
The advisory team’s exact role remains somewhat unclear, though sources close to the government suggest they will operate primarily behind the scenes, focusing on strategic guidance rather than direct diplomatic engagement. Their work is expected to complement, rather than replace, existing ASEAN mechanisms, including the special envoy system for Myanmar.
As Malaysia prepares to take the ASEAN chair in 2024, this bold diplomatic experiment will be closely watched by regional observers. Whether it proves to be a transformative innovation in regional diplomacy or merely an interesting footnote in ASEAN’s history remains to be seen.
