Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia must ensure that ASEAN remains steadfast in defending human rights and promoting regional well-being while serving as chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, said Amanah president Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu. As the ASEAN chair, Malaysia bears a significant responsibility to strengthen regional integration and ensure regional peace, he added.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Mohamad emphasized the need for ASEAN to reject aggressive actions by major powers in the South China Sea to maintain the region as a peaceful and stable zone, free from conflicts that could threaten the well-being of ASEAN nations. He voiced these concerns during his Presidential Speech at the 2024 Amanah National Convention held today.

Mohamad also underscored the importance of addressing non-traditional threats, such as food security issues resulting from climate change and geopolitical crises. He called for Malaysia to take an active role in ensuring the bloc does not remain passive in the face of human rights violations, urging collective action to address challenges impacting the lives and safety of people in the region.

In addressing concerns regarding Amanah’s approach to issues related to the Malay community and Islam, Mohamad stated that the party has its own method of handling these matters. He stressed the importance of maintaining harmony in Malaysia’s multiracial society when making statements or taking actions.

“When making statements, we must always remember that Malaysia is a multiracial nation. While we may seek to please one community, we must never ridicule or belittle others,” he concluded.