KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia is set to lead discussions on pressing human rights challenges as it hosts the Retreat and 40th Meeting of the Asean Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) from February 11 to 14 in Langkawi, Kedah.
This marks the first AICHR meeting under the leadership of Edmund Bon Tai Soon, Malaysia’s Representative to AICHR and chair for 2025. Representatives from all Asean member states will attend, with Timor-Leste’s AICHR representative joining as an observer.
The meeting will focus on a broad range of human rights issues, particularly the rights of victims and survivors in conflict situations, peace and peacebuilding initiatives, and the proposed Asean declarations on environmental rights, inclusive growth, sustainable development, and the right to development, according to a statement released today.
As Asean and AICHR chair for 2025, Malaysia will present its key priorities, in line with the broader Asean Chairmanship theme of “Inclusivity and Sustainability.”
“Malaysia aims to advance key thematic areas such as the right to peace, the right to development, business and human rights, environmental rights protection, and climate change,” the statement highlighted.
Putrajaya stated its commitment to strengthening AICHR’s institutional framework by shifting towards a more protection-centric approach, enhancing transparency and accountability, and deepening collaboration with Asean sectoral bodies and dialogue partners.
The country also seeks to “foster stronger engagement with civil society organisations, reinforcing inclusivity through ongoing dialogues and collaborations.”
A Transition Workshop on February 10 will precede the official meeting to ensure a seamless handover between outgoing and incoming AICHR representatives.
“This workshop will review past initiatives, share best practices, and align future strategies,” the statement explained.
It will also bring together former and outgoing AICHR representatives to sustain momentum on ongoing and future initiatives and include a dialogue with civil society organisations with consultative relationships with AICHR to ensure diverse perspectives inform the discussions.
The meeting follows the Asean Foreign Ministers’ Retreat held on January 19, 2025, Malaysia’s first major engagement as Asean Chair for the year – also held in Langkawi. Chaired by Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, the retreat focused on Asean unity and leadership under the theme “Inclusivity and Sustainability.”
Discussions covered regional and international challenges, setting the tone for Malaysia’s chairmanship and reaffirming its commitment to fostering regional cooperation, stability, and sustainable development.
Malaysia’s leadership in AICHR comes at a crucial time, as the commission seeks to “enhance AICHR’s institutional framework to transition toward a more protection-centric body,” as outlined in the official statement. The outcomes of these discussions will reinforce Asean’s broader commitment to the rule of law, democracy, human rights, sustainability, and inclusive development.
In response to recent criticisms of Malaysia’s Asean chairmanship, several political figures have come forward to defend the nation’s approach.
Jelutong MP RSN Rayer expressed disappointment over remarks by foreign academic Bridget Welsh, who questioned Malaysia’s ability to meet Asean’s expectations. Rayer emphasised that Malaysia’s chairmanship has only just begun and defended the appointment of former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra as an Asean adviser, highlighting Thaksin’s extensive regional experience.
Similarly, Sg Petani MP Mohammed Taufiq Johari highlighted Malaysia’s proactive steps to enhance regional cooperation. He noted that Malaysia has already demonstrated strong leadership and strategic vision in addressing key challenges, fostering economic growth, and strengthening Asean’s unity. – February 9, 2025