ASEAN Must Remain ‘Beacon of Neutrality and Safe Harbour’ Amid Global Conflicts : Tok Mat

The ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM), chaired by Malaysia’s Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, has reaffirmed the regional bloc’s role as a “beacon of neutrality and a safe harbor” amid escalating global geopolitical tensions.

In his opening remarks on Saturday, Mohamad, popularly known as Tok Mat, said ASEAN must remain steadfast in its principles of unity, neutrality, and centrality as global rivalries deepen across economic, technological, and security fronts.

“For two years, the world has witnessed the unspeakable suffering of Palestinians in Gaza – marked by devastating loss of life, mass displacement, and the erosion of hope and dignity,” said Mohamad.

“ASEAN welcomes efforts to establish a cessation of violence in Gaza as the first phase of President Trump’s Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict. This marks an important step forward, and we hope it will ultimately lead to the realisation of the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and the establishment of a sovereign and independent state of Palestine.”

Mohamad cautioned that widening divisions in global politics could “cast a long shadow” over the region.

“As the international landscape becomes dominated by contestation rather than consensus, and division rather than dialogue, ASEAN finds itself at a crossroads. Our space for neutrality and centrality is narrowing – particularly in trade, technology, and regional security. We must act as the speakers, not the spoken for.”

Addressing regional issues, the Foreign Minister reiterated ASEAN’s commitment to resolving the Myanmar crisis through “dialogue, not coercion.”

“In a situation marked by decades of mistrust, reconciliation will not happen overnight. It must be a process led by the people of Myanmar and supported by ASEAN  a path grounded in trust,” he said.

He also underscored ASEAN’s collective role in humanitarian responses, highlighting the bloc’s unified assistance following Myanmar’s deadly earthquake earlier this year.

On the South China Sea dispute, Mohamad called for an “open but firm and consolidated engagement” approach to preserve regional peace and stability.

“As ASEAN country coordinator for China, Malaysia remains committed to advocating our collective interests, especially in advancing the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea,” he said, urging all parties to “embrace partnership, refrain from escalation, and respect international law.”

Despite global headwinds, Mohamad noted that ASEAN’s economic vision remains resilient.

“The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) continue to deepen integration, strengthen supply chains, and attract global investment,” he said.

He added that ASEAN’s growing partnerships with India, Australia, the European Union, and the Gulf Cooperation Council have further strengthened the region’s “collective strategic autonomy.”

“As chair, Malaysia has been humbled by the trust placed in us,” Mohamad concluded. “ASEAN’s unity and diversity will continue to be our greatest source of strength.”

— Voice of Malaysia News