26/10/2025

NATIONAL 3 theSun on Sunday OCT 26, 2025 Diplomatic sensitivities risk to unity agenda

Gaza peace effort step towards protecting rights Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

networks operating in parts of Myanmar, Cambodia and Laos. “These are transnational crimes that hurt Asean’s credibility. Some governments prefer not to highlight them, but silence risks undermining regional trust,” he said. He added that Malaysia must also be “extra ready” in managing Trump’s unpredictable presence. “Trump is emotional and likes to draw attention. Malaysia must be tactful to ensure his presence does not derail discussions or create unnecessary friction. Diplomatic protocol, tone and sequencing will matter greatly,” he said. On the global stage, Mohd Yazid said Malaysia must tread carefully on emotionally charged issues such as Palestine. “Malaysia must avoid even the perception of bias – whether in statements, seating or bilateral dealings. “One careless gesture can undo months of diplomacy,” he said. Both analysts said the summit’s success will not be measured in headlines or handshakes but in how well Malaysia keeps diplomacy quiet, careful and credible.

As host, Malaysia must tread carefully when managing clashing interests without allowing major powers to divide regional bloc, says expert

PETALING JAYA: As Malaysia hosts one of the most consequential Asean Summits in years today, experts warn that Putrajaya must tread carefully through a minefield of diplomatic sensitivities, regional rifts and geopolitical rivalries that could either strengthen or strain the bloc’s unity. With an unprecedented number of world leaders – including United States President Donald Trump – in attendance, the

PETALING JAYA: Asean has welcomed early efforts to establish a cessation of violence in Gaza, describing it as a crucial step towards upholding international law and protecting human dignity. Speaking at the Asean Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Kuala Lumpur yesterday, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said the bloc remains deeply concerned

“A successful summit won’t necessarily hinge on declarations but on productive side meetings and quiet diplomacy. “The real progress happens in informal talks – those side discussions on Gaza or the South China Sea. “That’s where Malaysia can demonstrate leadership,” Azmi said. International Islamic University Malaysia international relations expert Assoc Prof Dr Mohd Yazid Zul Kepli said Malaysia’s leadership would also be tested by divisions that continue to plague the bloc. “Asean’s biggest fault lines remain Myanmar and the South China Sea. Some members push for tougher action while others cling to the non-interference principle. Mohd Yazid said another overlooked source of tension lies in transnational crimes such as cross-border cyber scams and human trafficking

Summit in terms of foreign leaders’ attendance. It shows respect not only for Malaysia’s chairmanship but also for Asean’s growing relevance as a regional and global player,” he said. However, Azmi cautioned that the presence of powerful figures such as Trump could risk turning the spotlight away from Asean’s collective agenda. “We know Trump tends to seek the limelight, but Malaysia could use his influence constructively. “The real focus should be on advancing regional peace – from Gaza and possibly even Ukraine to the South China Sea – without allowing major powers to divide Asean,” he said. He added that Malaysia’s credibility as a “non-biased player” would be critical in sensitive discussions, citing its past mediation roles in southern Thailand and the Bangsamoro peace process.

over global conflicts and their potential impact on regional stability. “The world has borne witness to the suffering endured by the Palestinians in Gaza, marked by devastating loss of life, mass displacement and the systematic erosion of hope and dignity,” he said. He added that Asean views the first phase of United States President Donald

meeting is set to test Asean’s ability to hold together amid clashing interests over flashpoints such as the Myanmar crisis, South China Sea and the Israel-Palestine conflict. Nusantara Academy of Strategic Research senior fellow Prof Dr Azmi Hassan said Malaysia faces both an opportunity and a

challenge managing expectations as host and chair, especially given the summit’s scale and scrutiny. “This is the biggest Asean in

Trump’s comprehensive plan to end the Gaza conflict as “an important step towards realising the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and the establishment of a sovereign and independent state.” Mohamad stressed that while Asean continues to manage challenges within the region, it must not turn a blind eye to crises beyond its borders. He also urged member states to remain guided by the Asean way, built on diplomacy, trust and consensus, as the grouping navigates growing geopolitical uncertainty. “The border conflict between our neighbours this year has reminded us of the fragility of peace,” he said. “Fortunately, thanks to tireless mediation efforts, tensions have since de-escalated. We commend both countries (Thailand and Cambodia) for choosing the path of diplomacy and dialogue to resolve their differences.” On Myanmar, Mohamad described reconciliation as a “long process” that must be led by the people of Myanmar and supported by Asean, a path grounded in trust, not coercion. He cautioned that if the crisis remains unresolved, it could spill across borders in the form of “transnational crime, refugee flows and wider socioeconomic instability”. Citing Asean’s swift humanitarian response to the deadly earthquake that struck Myanmar earlier this year, Mohamad said Malaysia remains committed to supporting recovery and peacebuilding efforts. He also reaffirmed that despite global turbulence, Asean must remain firm, united and guided by the Asean way, with its diversity continuing to be “the region’s greatest source of strength”.

No gatherings allowed at Ampang Park: Police KUALA LUMPUR: Police have prohibited any gatherings at Ampang Park along Jalan Ampang due to security reasons and to safeguard the country’s image during the 47th Asean Summit.

Fadli announcing the closure of roads at the press conference. – BERNAMAPIC

Kuala Lumpur police chief Datuk Fadil Marsus said the area has been assessed as unsuitable for assemblies based on intelligence findings and security analyses conducted with other agencies. “Ampang Park has been classified as a red zone as it lies less than 50m from the protocol route and official accommodation for Asean Summit delegates. “For security reasons, and to preserve Malaysia’s image and ensure the smooth conduct of the international event, police will not permit any gatherings in the area,” he said at the Kuala Lumpur police contingent headquarters yesterday. Police have received information about up to three gatherings planned for today at Ampang Park, that are expected to draw between 1,000 and 1,500 participants from 9am to 11.30am. It is learnt that the gatherings are being organised by a

coalition of pro-Palestinian groups to protest against the presence of United States President Donald Trump in conjunction with the summit. Fadil said police have met the organisers and proposed alternative venues such as Dataran Merdeka and Padang Merbok, but the organisers remained intent on proceeding

He added that while police respect the public’s right to assemble, all parties must comply with laws and safety instructions. Fadil also urged the public to cooperate with authorities and plan their movements in advance to avoid traffic congestion or disruption. – Bernama

with the gathering at Ampang Park. “If the gatherings proceed, they will be considered a breach of security directives and firm action will be taken in accordance with the law. “Police will order participants to disperse and maintain control to prevent any provocation,” he said.