Malaysia Says AIPA Will Drive ASEAN's Peace And Development Agenda 

By Vijian Paramasivam

PHNOM PENH, July 16 (Bernama) -- Malaysia said that the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) Caucus will be pivotal in driving the region’s peace and stability, with lawmakers at the forefront.

Dewan Rakyat Deputy Speaker Datuk Dr Ramli Mohd Nor, who attended the 16th AIPA Caucus in Phnom Penh, said the body will remain an integral part of the 10-member grouping that sets the regional agenda for trade, security, and community building.

“In the framework of ASEAN, AIPA will remain an important mechanism because each country’s parliament will decide on laws, policies and way forward and this will have an impact on ASEAN.

"This caucus includes discussions, methods and resolutions that can be accepted by the entire ASEAN community.

“We recognise that dialogue is important to avoid conflicts with neighbours, within ASEAN or outside ASEAN,” Ramli told Bernama on the margins of the meeting that ended on Wednesday (July 16).

The regional parliamentary body, established in 1977, held the meeting under the theme “Peace Through Dialogue: The Parliamentary Path Forward.”  

AIPA leaders from the regional bloc were in attendance at the caucus that commenced on Monday in Cambodia’s capital, except for Myanmar and Timor-Leste (which is set to be admitted as the 11th member at the 47th ASEAN Summit in October).

“Malaysia continues to show a strong political commitment in strengthening ASEAN connectivity as well as regional peace, in line with the active role played at the global level. 

“The Malaysian Parliament also fully supports cooperation between parliaments in dealing with current challenges through democratic governance and ASEAN's political-security mechanism,” he said.

Discussions focused on key areas — strengthening parliamentary actions for inclusive peace, addressing current risks and challenges through cooperation between parliaments, and bolstering parliament's contribution to regional and global peace and security.

“One important issue in the meetings was that we recognised women’s contribution in ASEAN, in any issue, be it in politics, governmental positions or executive posts. 

“We want a median of 30 per cent to 40 per cent of women's participation in all aspects.

“Malaysia continues to play an important role in promoting gender equality and the elimination of violence against women and children,” said Ramli.

Members endorsed the 16th AIPA Caucus report, which will be presented to the General Assembly, the highest body in AIPA.

The 46th ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary General Assembly is scheduled to be held in Kuala Lumpur in September.

Malaysia will host the 47th ASEAN Summit in October 2025 and the 17th AIPA Caucus will be held in Indonesia next year. 

-- BERNAMA