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We should never tire of negotiations, multilateralism: Anwar
Under Indonesia's chairmanship no one questioned the fact that ASEAN through Indonesia has taken all the initiatives and actions necessary to try and amicably resolve the Myanmar stalemate.
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Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim (left) and President Joko “Jokowi“ Widodo attend an honor guard ceremony at the Bogor Palce in West Java on Jan. 9, 2023.
(AFP/Adek Berry)
L
eaders of ASEAN and dialogue partners are gathering in Jakarta for the 43rd ASEAN Summit and related summits, as the bloc expects to discuss ways to move forward, as well as regional hot-button issues ranging from the Myanmar crisis to disputes in the South China Sea. The Jakarta Post’s A. Muh. Ibnu Aqil recently talked with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in Jakarta on issues pertaining to the regional grouping. The following are excerpts from the interview, edited for clarity.
Question: Indonesia as the ASEAN chair expects the bloc to produce the ASEAN Concord IV that will serve as the foundation for ASEAN’s long-term vision. What are your hopes for this ASEAN Concord IV?
Answer: Good, we have built this consensus that has really taken great pains, and spent a lot of effort to support and strengthen the ASEAN vision, which is our aspiration to forge a more cohesive ASEAN with clearer direction and, more importantly, to become more cohesive in all fields, diplomatic, security, trade and investment.
What points exactly did Malaysia contribute to the drafting of the Concord IV?
We have reaffirmed the position of ensuring there is freedom, which is also the view of the pioneers of ASEAN and to resolve issues within ASEAN, to avoid [being] influenced by other forces, outside forces, but now [also] refocus on some of the urgent issues like climate change, digital transformation and increasing or enhancing trade and investments among ASEAN countries.
During the ASEAN Summit the leaders will talk about many things, especially about the ongoing Myanmar crisis. How do you view the handling of this crisis by ASEAN under Indonesia’s chairmanship?
Indonesia has taken major steps. I think probably for the first time in the history of ASEAN, we have held, I think, close to 100 meetings at the official level. This initiative taken by Indonesia is supported by ASEAN countries to try and engage [with stakeholders in Myanmar].
