MINDEF Outlines Three Key Priorities During ASEAN Chairmanship


Kuala Lumpur: The Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) has outlined three key priorities during Malaysia’s chairmanship of ASEAN. Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin emphasised that the top priority is to prevent any escalation of tensions that could spark regional conflict. The second priority is to position ASEAN as the leading platform for diplomacy in addressing and managing regional challenges.



According to BERNAMA News Agency, the third priority focuses on enhancing various training, cooperation, and defence diplomacy initiatives within the region. This involves member countries, observer states, and other ASEAN strategic partners. Mohamed Khaled made these remarks during the 2025 Defence Minister’s New Year address at Wisma Perwira today. Malaysia officially assumed the role of ASEAN Chair on January 1, 2025, with the theme “Inclusivity and Sustainability,” reflecting the country’s aspiration to create a united and prosperous ASEAN.



One of the main events under MINDEF this year is the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) and ADMM Plus, scheduled from November 17 to 21. Mohamed Khaled stated that, in the context of global peace, Malaysia will continue its involvement in peacekeeping missions and the promotion of human rights under the auspices of international bodies such as the United Nations (UN). He also plans to deliver a significant message regarding the improvement and strengthening of these missions during the UN Peacekeeping Ministerial in Berlin, Germany, from May 13 to 14, 2025.



The Defence Minister assured that all necessary approaches, preparations, training patterns, and assets will be in place to facilitate Malaysia’s effective participation and contribution to global peacekeeping missions. This commitment underscores Malaysia’s stance as a neutral, principled, and firm mediator and voice in the international arena. MINDEF, according to Mohamed Khaled, cannot remain a passive observer on matters impacting the nation’s sovereignty, especially in the face of evolving and challenging geopolitical dynamics.



He highlighted issues such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the China-US trade war, climate change, food security, the rise of disruptive technologies, the attacks on Gaza, and other developments that require thorough analysis and assessment from a defence perspective. As the frontline team responsible for national sovereignty matters, MINDEF and the Armed Forces are expected to be a vocal presence, offering insights and constructive perspectives to the government from a defence standpoint.