Melaka: ASEAN Secretary-General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn has proposed that the regional bloc consider expanding the membership of dialogue partners under the ASEAN+3 framework, which currently includes China, Japan, and South Korea. Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail revealed that the proposal was raised by Dr. Kao during the 19th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Transnational Crime (AMMTC) and related meetings held today.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Saifuddin Nasution emphasized the Secretary-General’s belief that it is time to expand the ASEAN dialogue partnership to leverage the strengths of additional countries. He noted that these dialogue partners often provide financial support, training, logistics, and expertise, which are crucial for ASEAN’s development. He made these comments during a press conference after chairing the 19th AMMTC and its related meetings.

Saifuddin Nasution explained that the proposed expansion of dialogue partners would enable ASEAN member states to derive greater benefits from other countries. He cited the significant advantages ASEAN has already gained from its current partners, China, Japan, and South Korea. However, he stressed that the proposal is still in its early stages and remains open-ended, with no final decision made yet. The matter will be deliberated further and, if agreed upon, raised at the ASEAN Summit involving Heads of Government.

Meanwhile, the 19th AMMTC also witnessed the handover of the 20th AMMTC chairmanship to the Philippines, officiated by Saifuddin Nasution. Melaka has become the focus of the region as ASEAN ministers and senior officials responsible for security and combating transnational crime convene from September 8 to 12 for the 19th AMMTC and related meetings. The programme is held in conjunction with Malaysia’s 2025 ASEAN Chairmanship, themed ‘Inclusivity and Sustainability,’ reflecting the nation’s commitment to building a safer and more prosperous ASEAN community.