Kuala lumpur: Malaysia, which has taken on the ASEAN Chairmanship for 2025, has issued a warning that the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) risks becoming irrelevant if it does not adapt and effectively address the region's escalating security challenges, including maritime tensions, cyber threats, and climate change.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Malaysia's Foreign Minister, Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, emphasized that while the ARF has historically been an essential platform for dialogue and consultation, it must not rest on its laurels. During his remarks at the 32nd ARF, held alongside the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM) and related meetings, Mohamad stated, "If we fail to respond, the ARF may risk losing its relevance, precisely when effective and reliable multilateral frameworks and leadership are most needed."

Mohamad highlighted the need for the ARF to continue evolving and to demonstrate greater agility in addressing new and emerging realities. He stressed that prioritizing these objectives is crucial for ensuring the ARF remains an inclusive and credible regional security framework, with Malaysia committed to revitalizing the forum during its chairmanship.

Addressing a broad range of regional security challenges, Mohamad emphasized the importance of maintaining the resilience of the ARF's institution and its cooperative efforts. He underscored the necessity of reaffirming commitments to uphold international law and maintain a stable, rules-based international order.

Mohamad outlined several priority measures for the ARF, including addressing maritime tensions in key waterways, escalating cyber threats that undermine infrastructure and spread disinformation, and tackling the multifaceted threats posed by climate change. He called for the ARF to be better equipped for swift and effective responses, especially in humanitarian crises, health emergencies, and conflict prevention.

He further stated that the ARF must transition from dialogue to action, closing the gap between ambition and implementation. Malaysia calls for stronger cooperation through joint projects in key areas such as maritime security, counter-terrorism, and disaster preparedness, along with better coordination with other ASEAN-led platforms.

Mohamad also emphasized the strength of the ARF's inclusivity, bringing together 27 participants with diverse perspectives. He highlighted the importance of strengthening the ARF as a stabilizing force where trust is nurtured, differences are managed, and partnerships are strengthened.

The ARF includes ASEAN member states and dialogue partners such as Australia, Canada, China, the European Union, India, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Russia, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Other participating countries include Bangladesh, North Korea, Mongolia, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Papua New Guinea, and Timor-Leste. The meeting also gathered notable figures such as US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas.