The Ministry of Defense has outlined three key matters that need prioritization during Malaysia's tenure as the rotating chairman of ASEAN.
Defense Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Khalid Nordin emphasized that the immediate priority is to prevent the escalation of tensions and avoid triggering regional conflicts.
In his New Year speech for 2025 at the Ministry of Defense today (16th), he stated that the second focus is to position ASEAN as the leading diplomatic platform for addressing and responding to regional challenges.
"Third, we will seize ASEAN's opportunities to enhance training, cooperation, and defense diplomacy initiatives in the region, involving member countries, observer states, and other ASEAN strategic partners."
Malaysia officially assumed the responsibilities of the ASEAN chair on January 1st of this year, with the theme "Inclusive and Sustainable," reflecting Malaysia's aspiration to build a united and prosperous ASEAN.
A key event hosted by the Ministry of Defense this year is the ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) and the ADMM-Plus, scheduled to take place from November 17 to 21.
Mohamad Khalid stated that in the context of global peace, Malaysia will continue participating in peacekeeping missions and human rights activities led by international bodies such as the United Nations.
He will also deliver important messages on improving and strengthening these missions at the United Nations Peacekeeping Ministerial Conference held in Berlin, Germany, from May 13 to 14.
"We will ensure that all methodologies, preparations, training models, and necessary equipment are in place, thereby facilitating Malaysia's effective participation and contribution to global peacekeeping missions."
"This commitment is rooted in the belief that, as a progressive nation, Malaysia must maintain a neutral, principled, and steady voice as a mediator on the international stage."
Mohamad Khalid stressed that the Ministry of Defense cannot stand by on issues of national sovereignty, especially in times of ever-evolving and challenging geopolitical situations.
He emphasized matters such as the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, the trade war between China and the United States, climate change, food security, the rise of disruptive technologies, attacks on Gaza, among other developments that need to be analyzed and assessed from a defense perspective and their impact on the nation.
He stated that the Ministry of Defense and the Armed Forces, as the frontline team on all matters related to national sovereignty, must also have the capacity to voice out and provide constructive feedback to the government from a defense standpoint.