KUALA LUMPUR — Jelutong MP RSN Rayer has strongly defended Malaysia’s chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) following recent criticisms by foreign academic Bridget Welsh.
In a written statement, Rayer expressed disappointment over Welsh’s premature remarks questioning the country’s ability to meet ASEAN’s expectations.
“Malaysia’s chairmanship of ASEAN has only just begun, and some people are already jumping the gun to criticise it. I wonder who this foreign academic Bridget Welsh is to keep slamming the Madani government and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim,” read his statement.
It was reported that Bridget Welsh said Malaysia’s chairmanship of ASEAN could become overly focused on Anwar, with insufficient planning to meet the regional bloc’s needs.
She also criticised the appointment of former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra as an ASEAN adviser.
In response to this, Rayer defended the decision to bring Thaksin on board. “This is a man who has been a force in the region for three decades and whose daughter is currently the Thai Prime Minister.
“Of course, he will have influence, economic clout, and good ideas to boost regional cooperation.” He went on to ask, “How is that about hyping Anwar?”
Rayer also emphasised the potential of ASEAN as a global powerhouse, given its diverse population of around 700 million people.
“ASEAN is a dynamic group, and there is so much potential for the region to become a global powerhouse,” he said. “But there are also concerns such as Myanmar following the military coup and issues like the Spratly Islands dispute.”
He further highlighted Anwar’s leadership qualities, saying, “Anwar has been bold, unwavering, and uncompromising on many issues, especially on human rights. ASEAN will certainly need a statesman like him to lead, particularly with the turmoil and humanitarian transgressions occurring in southern Thailand, Myanmar, and the Philippines.”
Looking ahead, Rayer expressed optimism about Malaysia’s upcoming initiatives during its ASEAN chairmanship.
“Malaysia will host over 300 key meetings and programmes throughout the year, and also plans to undertake various initiatives in areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), renewable energy, tourism, and healthcare. I am looking forward to it,” he added.
He concluded by urging a more measured approach to judging ASEAN’s initiatives: “What is needed is a cool head and astute diplomacy, not people rushing to judge every initiative negatively.”
Under Malaysia’s current leadership, the country is expected to guide discussions on regional security, economic cooperation, and diplomacy while shaping ASEAN’s long-term vision. — February 5, 2025