Anwar’s ASEAN Gambit: Thaksin’s Role and the Road Ahead
Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has taken a bold step in his chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) by assembling an informal advisory team, including former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin shinawatra. This move has sparked both praise and criticism, highlighting the complexities of regional diplomacy and the challenges facing ASEAN in the 21st century.
Anwar’s decision to include Thaksin, a controversial figure with a history of both political success and legal troubles, has drawn particular attention. As reported by Channel News Asia here, Anwar met with Thaksin and another advisor, George Yeo, in early February to discuss key regional issues, including the ongoing crisis in Myanmar and developments in cryptocurrency.
while the Malaysian Foreign Affairs Ministry and Prime Minister’s Office have yet to officially confirm the composition of this informal team, anwar’s Facebook post about the dinner meeting with Thaksin and Yeo has fueled speculation about the role these advisors will play in shaping Malaysia’s ASEAN agenda.
Adding to the intrigue,Malaysia’s Institute of Strategic and International Studies (ISIS) chairman Mohd Faiz Abdullah was also present at the dinner,though his specific involvement remains unclear.Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan has clarified that Thaksin is an advisor to Anwar, not to ASEAN itself. He emphasized that Anwar will be appointing other advisors from various ASEAN member states, including senior statesmen from Singapore, Laos, and Brunei.
However, the appointment of Thaksin has already drawn criticism from some quarters. Bridget Welsh,an honorary research fellow at the University of Nottingham Malaysia’s Asia Research Institute,argued in a commentary titled “Malaysia’s ASEAN chairmanship is off to a disappointing start” that “Malaysia’s chairmanship risks the potential of being too much about Anwar,and not enough about ASEAN.”
Welsh further stated,”Such as,Anwar’s personal choice of ally and former Thai Prime Minister thaksin Shinawatra as an ASEAN adviser did not go down well in a politically divided Thailand. Nor did it recognize that Thaksin’s interventions around the Myanmar crisis have not helped.” This commentary was widely circulated, prompting a swift response from Malaysian lawmakers.
Bakri MP Tan Hong Pin defended Thaksin’s appointment, highlighting his extensive experience in regional politics and economic diplomacy. Petaling Jaya MP Lee Chean Chung echoed this sentiment, calling Anwar’s decision ”astute,” given Thaksin’s credentials in dealing with issues in Indochina and Myanmar.
Jelutong MP RSN Rayer went further, questioning Welsh’s credentials and dismissing her criticism as unfounded. He argued that Thaksin, a prominent figure in southeast Asian politics for decades, with his daughter currently serving as the Thai prime Minister, undoubtedly possesses influence and valuable insights that could benefit ASEAN.
This debate highlights the complexities of ASEAN’s decision-making process, which often involves balancing the interests of diverse member states with varying political systems and priorities.
Thaksin’s Influence and the Myanmar Crisis:
Thaksin’s inclusion in Anwar’s advisory team raises questions about his potential role in addressing the ongoing crisis in Myanmar. Since the military coup in 2021, ASEAN has struggled to find a solution to the political and humanitarian crisis.
Thaksin, who has a history of engaging with Myanmar’s military leaders, could possibly leverage his connections to facilitate dialog and promote a peaceful resolution. However, his past interventions in Myanmar have been criticized for being ineffective and even exacerbating the situation.
The Road Ahead for ASEAN:
As Malaysia takes the helm of ASEAN, the institution faces a number of pressing challenges, including:
The Myanmar crisis: Finding a peaceful and lasting solution to the crisis in Myanmar remains a top priority for ASEAN.
South China Sea Disputes: Managing territorial disputes in the South China Sea, a vital waterway for global trade, is crucial for regional stability.
Economic Integration: Deepening economic integration among ASEAN member states is essential for promoting shared prosperity.
Climate Change: addressing the impacts of climate change, which poses a significant threat to the region, requires collective action.
Anwar’s leadership and the composition of his advisory team will undoubtedly shape ASEAN’s response to these challenges. The success of his chairmanship will depend on his ability to navigate the complexities of regional politics, build consensus among member states, and deliver tangible results.
The inclusion of Thaksin Shinawatra in Anwar’s advisory team is a bold move that has generated both excitement and concern. While Thaksin’s experience and connections could be valuable assets, his controversial past raises questions about his suitability for such a sensitive role.
Ultimately, the success of this gambit will depend on Anwar’s ability to manage Thaksin’s influence effectively and leverage his expertise to advance ASEAN’s interests. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether this unconventional approach will pay off or backfire.
Anwar’s ASEAN Gambit: Thaksin’s Role and the Road Ahead – An Interview
Editor, Time.news: We’re seeing a lot of discussion about the appointments to prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s advisory team for his chairmanship of ASEAN. Can you shed some light on the significance of thes appointments, particularly the inclusion of Thaksin Shinawatra?
Expert: Absolutely. Anwar’s decision to tap Thaksin is a bold move, to say the least. While Thaksin brings considerable experience in regional politics and economic diplomacy, his controversial history raises eyebrows. It’s a tightrope walk for Anwar. He appears to be betting on Thaksin’s vast network and understanding of Southeast Asia, particularly his influence in Indochina and Myanmar, to provide valuable insights.
Editor: What are some of the key challenges facing ASEAN right now, and how do these appointments potentially impact the way they address them?
Expert: ASEAN is facing a multitude of pressing issues. The ongoing crisis in Myanmar, territorial disputes in the South China Sea, and the need for deeper economic integration are just a few. Climate change also poses a significant threat to the region.
Anwar’s leadership style and the expertise of his advisors, especially Thaksin, could drastically shape ASEAN’s approach to these challenges. His background might be instrumental in navigating the complexities of the Myanmar crisis, but his past interventions there haven’t always been triumphant.
Editor:
There have been mixed reactions to this appointment.Some argue that Thaksin is unqualified for such a sensitive role due to his controversial past.What’s your take on this?
Expert: The criticism levied against Thaksin is valid. His history raises questions about his suitability for a position that requires diplomacy and international trust. Ultimately,Anwar needs to manage Thaksin’s influence carefully and ensure that his expertise is leveraged effectively without undermining ASEAN’s credibility.
Editor: What are the implications of this appointment for Malaysia’s role as ASEAN chair?
Expert: this appointment sends a clear signal that Malaysia is willing to take bolder steps in addressing regional challenges. It demonstrates Anwar’s commitment to seeking unconventional solutions and his willingness to work with individuals who possess valuable connections, regardless of past controversies. How this plays out will significantly impact Malaysia’s standing within ASEAN and its ability to influence regional policy.
Editor:
What should readers be watching for in the coming months regarding Anwar’s chairmanship and Thaksin’s role?
Expert: I believe the coming months will be crucial in determining if Anwar’s gambit pays off. Keep an eye on:
ASEAN’s response to the Myanmar crisis: Will Thaksin’s involvement lead to any breakthroughs or progress towards a peaceful resolution?
Malaysia’s stance on South China Sea disputes: Will Anwar’s approach be more assertive or conciliatory, and how will Thaksin’s influence shape this stance?
* The dynamics within ASEAN: Will Thaksin’s appointment unite or divide member states? Will other countries follow suit and appoint controversial figures to their own advisory teams?
The success of Anwar’s chairmanship and the impact of Thaksin’s involvement will be closely watched by the international community. it’s a engaging advancement with the potential to reshape the future of ASEAN.