KUALA LUMPUR: The appointment of former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra as an informal adviser to assist with Malaysia’s Asean chairmanship next year is viewed as a bridge to strengthen cooperation between the region and global powers, says Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.
The Foreign Minister said that Thaksin, a prominent figure in Thailand, is well regarded by the United States and maintains close ties with China.
“Thaksin and other prominent figures are long-time associates of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim who can offer their insights on how Asean can progress further,” he told a media briefing on Malaysia’s Asean chairmanship 2025 here on Monday night, Bernama reported.
Anwar announced Thaksin’s appointment, proposed by Malaysia and agreed upon by Thailand, at a joint press conference with his Thai counterpart Paetongtarn Shinawatra in Putrajaya on Monday.
Mohamad said the appointment of other prominent figures for the same role will be announced later.
“This is not an advisory group for Asean, but an adviser to the Prime Minister in his capacity as Asean chair.
“It is not a formal body or new segment within Asean,” he said.
Malaysia will officially assume the Asean chairmanship on Jan 1 next year under the theme “Inclusivity and Sustainability”, reflecting its aspiration to foster a unified and prosperous Asean.
The media briefing was also attended by Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Mohamad Alamin, Foreign Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Amran Mohamed Zin and Asean-Malaysia National Secretariat director-general Datuk Zanariah Zainal Abidin.
Also present were Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) chairman Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai, chief executive officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin and editor-in-chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj, as well as representatives from media organisations, senior editors, journalists and members of the Foreign Correspondents Club.
