(Kuala Lumpur, 22nd) Malaysia will propose three important declarations at the upcoming 47th ASEAN Summit to combat transnational crime in the region.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin said that these three declarations are the outcome of the 19th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Transnational Crime (AMMTC) held in Melaka from September 8 to 12 this year, and will further refine regional strategic plans, providing direction for ASEAN’s anti-crime efforts over the next decade.
He said AMMTC had agreed to adopt the ASEAN Plan of Action to Combat Transnational Crime 2026-2035. This long-term strategic blueprint will focus on strengthening intelligence cooperation, reinforcing the judicial system, enhancing digital security, building societal resilience, and boosting capacity building for enforcement agencies.
As for the three documents to be presented at the Summit as ASEAN Leaders’ Declarations, they include the "ASEAN Leaders’ Declaration on Anti-Money Laundering," the "ASEAN Leaders’ Declaration on Surveillance and Apprehension of Transnational Fugitives," and the "ASEAN Leaders’ Declaration on Harnessing Sports to Strengthen Social Resilience Against Extremism."
He stated that the Anti-Money Laundering Declaration is led by Malaysia and emphasizes ASEAN’s commitment to effectively tackling illicit financial activities through stricter regulation, enhanced intelligence cooperation, and cross-agency information sharing, in order to strengthen the integrity of the regional financial system.
He said the Transnational Fugitives Declaration, proposed by Vietnam, stresses the need for ASEAN to strengthen cooperation to speed up the identification, arrest, and repatriation of transnational criminals, including information sharing, coordinated actions, and strengthening extradition agreements, to ensure the region is no longer a "safe haven" for criminals.
The Social Resilience Declaration proposed by Indonesia, he said, will adopt a more forward-looking and inclusive approach, utilizing sports and youth development as positive social interventions to build resilience, foster unity, and prevent radicalization in society.
"These three declarations will serve as a vital foundation for the ASEAN Summit, ensuring that the consensus reached at the Melaka meeting is concretely implemented as regional policy and practical content for the ASEAN Plan of Action 2026-2035."
The 47th ASEAN Summit will be held in Kuala Lumpur from the 26th to the 28th of this month, and will welcome national leaders from the ten ASEAN member countries, along with major dialogue partners such as the United States, China, Japan, and India.