Kuala Lumpur: ASEAN member states' commitment towards realizing the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and addressing the prolonged Myanmar crisis is expected to take center stage at the upcoming 46th ASEAN Summit, according to international relations experts.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Lecturer at the History, Politics and International Affairs Research Centre, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Prof Dr Ravichandran Moorthy highlighted that ASEAN leaders will likely engage in in-depth discussions on the bloc's achievements, development disparities, policy implementation effectiveness, and Malaysia's role as Chair for 2025. He noted the significant transformations ASEAN has undergone since its formation, including the Bali Declaration and the establishment of the ASEAN Community in 2015.
Ravichandran emphasized ASEAN's adaptive strength in facing current challenges during a special Bernama TV programme titled 'Realising the ASEAN Community Vision 2045', broadcast live from the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. He acknowledged the persistent development disparities among member states but pointed out initiatives such as intra-ASEAN investment and trade, along with the 'ASEAN Minus X' formula, which have significantly supported less-developed member states.
The role of the ASEAN special task force was also underscored by Ravichandran, which is pivotal in ensuring the comprehensive implementation of resolutions and strategies under the ASEAN Community Vision 2045. This vision encompasses three core pillars: political-security, economic, and socio-cultural.
Meanwhile, Assoc. Prof Dr Khoo Ying Hooi, a lecturer at the International and Strategic Studies Department of Universiti Malaya, described Malaysia's leadership at the 46th ASEAN Summit as progressive and unconventional. She highlighted Malaysia's role in multilateral diplomacy and active engagement with strategic partners such as China and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
Khoo opined that Malaysia's assumption of the ASEAN Chairmanship provides it with an advantage to strengthen its regional roles. However, she expressed concern over the Myanmar issue, pointing out that the lack of a clear timeline in the Five-Point Consensus has weakened ASEAN's ability to address the ongoing conflict. She acknowledged Malaysia's significant milestone this year by initiating engagement with Myanmar's National Unity Government and the military junta, although the future direction remains uncertain.
The 46th ASEAN Summit, held under Malaysia's 2025 Chairmanship theme, 'Inclusivity and Sustainability', will gather leaders from member states to discuss regional issues and map out the bloc's future direction. Also scheduled are the 2nd ASEAN-GCC Summit and the ASEAN-GCC-China Summit, reflecting ASEAN's ongoing efforts to strengthen regional and international cooperation.