Malaysia’s Mediation Role Shows ASEAN Centrality

By Wan Muhammad Aslah Wan Razali

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 5 (Bernama) -- Malaysia’s success in mediating the Cambodia–Thailand conflict underscored ASEAN’s central role in settling regional disputes without external interference, Professor Dr Farish A. Noor said.

The Universitas Islam Internasional Indonesia scholar said both Cambodia and Thailand chose to resolve their dispute within the ASEAN framework rather than seeking mediation from major powers such as the United States or China, reflecting the bloc’s continuing relevance in preserving regional stability.

He cautioned that opening the door to external actors risked unwanted intervention in Southeast Asia’s politics.

“I am glad the negotiation did not take place in places such as Washington DC or Beijing. That again reminds us of the centrality of ASEAN.

“Any country that assumes the chairmanship of ASEAN has the responsibility to constantly emphasise that we are neighbours, like it or not, and whatever happens between us, whether economic or political disputes, must be resolved among ourselves first,” he told Bernama.

He noted that ASEAN’s role in the Cambodia–Thailand dispute ended positively, showing the bloc’s ability to manage sensitive issues.

Farish said ASEAN must remain mindful of its own strategic and economic importance.

“External powers will always find means to play a more visible role in our politics, even to the point of claiming credit for things they did not do,” he said.

Citing Cambodia’s rehabilitation after the Khmer Rouge conflict, he said ASEAN played a pivotal role in restoring peace and stability, proving the organisation has not been passive in addressing regional challenges.

However, he acknowledged ASEAN’s limitations, noting that unlike the European Union, it operates on the principle of non-interference and lacks mechanisms such as a regional court, single currency, or citizenship.

“It doesn’t mean that everything ASEAN does is perfect, but ASEAN has not been passive. When there is a problem in Southeast Asia, it automatically becomes our problem,” he said.

Turning to current challenges, Farish said the crisis in Myanmar remains a major test that has strained ASEAN’s credibility.

“The challenge for the next ASEAN chair is to address Myanmar, because it has been one factor that has compromised ASEAN’s image, with the perception that ASEAN is not doing enough,” he said.

He cautioned that mounting pressure on ASEAN to act could open the door for non-ASEAN actors to intervene more directly in regional affairs.

“ASEAN is very keen to ensure the political sovereignty and autonomy of member states is maintained. We don’t want that to be compromised. I have no idea how the Myanmar crisis will play out, but I hope the establishment in Myanmar understands that it is putting a lot of pressure on ASEAN as well,” he added.

Myanmar has been embroiled in a protracted political and humanitarian crisis since the military ousted the democratically elected National Unity Government (NUG) on February 1, 2021.

In April the same year, ASEAN leaders held an emergency meeting and adopted the Five Point Consensus, which called, among others, for immediate cessation of violence, engagement of constructive dialogue with all stakeholders to restore peace and stability, and assessment of humanitarian aid to the people of Myanmar.

Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said ASEAN will continue to urge Myanmar to fully implement the Five-Point Consensus and support the Special Envoy’s efforts to facilitate dialogue among all stakeholders, with the aim of restoring a path toward national reconciliation.

– BERNAMA