Melaka: ASEAN is entering a new phase in its community-building agenda with a clearer and more ambitious direction in tackling transnational crime, stated ASEAN Secretary-General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn. He emphasized Malaysia’s chairmanship under the theme ‘Inclusivity and Sustainability’, marking significant achievements, including the adoption of ASEAN 2045. This shared future roadmap was endorsed at the 46th ASEAN Summit in May.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, this development demonstrates ASEAN’s commitment to fostering inclusivity and regional integration, setting out the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and its four strategic plans for political-security, economic, and socio-cultural communities, as well as ASEAN connectivity. Dr. Kao delivered these remarks during his welcoming speech at the 19th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Transnational Crime (AMMTC) and related meetings held today.
Dr. Kao noted the imminent inclusion of Timor-Leste as ASEAN’s 11th member at the 47th ASEAN Summit next month, highlighting the bloc’s dedication to inclusivity and regional integration. He also expressed enthusiasm for upcoming consultations with the Plus Three countries, which he believes are crucial for enhancing law enforcement cooperation and aligning regional and international strategies against transnational crime.
Furthermore, Dr. Kao underscored ASEAN’s progress in boosting intra-regional trade through the enhanced ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement and advancing external economic partnerships, aimed at reinforcing sustainable growth and digital transformation. However, he warned that the opportunities brought by integration and digitalization also introduce new risks, with criminal networks exploiting open economies, porous borders, and emerging technologies for activities ranging from human trafficking and cybercrime to money laundering and environmental offenses.
Dr. Kao cautioned that these threats undermine economic stability, weaken institutions, and erode public trust, with the most vulnerable communities being the most affected. He expressed hope that the commitments made would translate into tangible cooperation, coordinated action, and practical outcomes.
Earlier, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim attended the opening ceremony of the 19th AMMTC and related meetings, along with Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, Home Ministry secretary-general Datuk Awang Alik, and senior officials from the ministry and its agencies. The event, aligned with Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship 2025, highlights the country’s dedication to building a safer and more prosperous ASEAN community, with Melaka serving as the regional focal point for discussions on security and cross-border crime prevention from September 8 to 12.