Southeast Asian foreign ministers are gathering for their first meeting this year under the regional bloc’s new chair, Malaysia, seeking a breakthrough over Myanmar’s drawn-out civil war and territorial disputes in the South China Sea.

The foreign minister highlights the importance of inclusivity and sustainability, hinting at Timor-Leste’s accession to the regional bloc.

LANGKAWI, Jan 19 (Bernama) -- Malaysian Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan on Sunday reaffirmed that ASEAN will continue to drive its own path forward amid intensifying superpower competition in the region. With a highly geo-strategic position, cultural versatility, and economic weight, he said Southeast Asia holds massive potential.

Illegal online gambling has flourished in Southeast Asia, often targeting the Chinese mainland, where gambling is banned. ASEAN representatives reaffirmed their determination to crack down on related transnational crimes, including human trafficking, money laundering, and online scams.

Malaysia has placed its MADANI principles at the heart of its ASEAN chairmanship for 2025, with a focus on inclusivity and sustainability as the region navigates a volatile global landscape. Malaysian Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said Malaysia’s leadership will aim to set a new standard for global governance,

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Despite Asean’s call to prioritise peace over a sham election, Myanmar’s military rulers appear bent on clinging to power no matter the cost.

The bloc says that any poll must be “inclusive,” but it has limited power to deter the junta from its election plans.

Last week's Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing for Senator Marco Rubio was very insightful, especially regarding comments related to US-Asean relations. Mr Rubio demonstrated knowledge about Asean and the need for flexibility in engaging with the countries in the region.

At a Malaysia conference, ministers of ASEAN nations pledged to step up the fight against illegal online gambling and cyber-crime.