Kuala Lumpur: Member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) must prioritise the bloc's collective interests over individual ties to any superpower or alternative grouping, emphasised Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz. He highlighted the importance of ASEAN consensus, urging member nations to unite and speak with one voice, while also engaging actively with other economies.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Tengku Zafrul addressed these points during his keynote speech at the Organisation of Asia-Pacific News Agencies' (OANA) 54th Executive Board Meeting at the Royale Chulan Hotel. He noted that several ASEAN members are warming up to BRICS, either through membership or partnership, and stated that this development should be carefully considered in policy-making.

The meeting was attended by notable figures including Bernama chairman Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai, chief executive officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin, editor-in-chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj, and OANA secretary-general Zaman Rezakhan.

Tengku Zafrul further asserted that in the context of US-China decoupling, ASEAN's fierce neutrality and non-alignment could play a crucial role in maintaining global supply chains. He highlighted that as ASEAN attracts more investments, it simultaneously bolsters regional geopolitical security.

He elaborated on the impact of the China+1 Strategy and the decoupling of superpowers on supply chains, pointing out that multinational companies will diversify their suppliers and logistics to align with geopolitical alliances. To this end, he emphasised the need for ASEAN to accelerate its industrial capacity building.

Among Malaysia's Priority Economic Deliverables (PEDs) for its ASEAN Chairmanship, Tengku Zafrul mentioned initiatives such as developing ASEAN as a regional electric vehicle hub and fostering regional cooperation in energy, minerals, and semiconductors.

Addressing ASEAN's engagement with other economic blocs, he clarified that partnerships with BRICS do not signify a pivot to another bloc, as Malaysia has signed various agreements with multiple blocs. He questioned the heightened focus on BRICS, stating that ASEAN engages with all economic blocs.

On the topic of BRICS' cohesion, Tengku Zafrul acknowledged criticisms of its cohesiveness but pointed out ASEAN's 50-year history as evidence that political and economic diversity can coexist and spur peace and prosperity.