COMMENT | As chair of Asean 2025, Malaysians should make some effort to know something of the history and politics of the 10 member states that make up this association founded on Aug 8, 1967.

Asean represents 700 million people, almost all of whom have suffered much under centuries of colonial rule.

And well before colonial rule, the people of Asean have also had a long history of internecine warfare for territory and resources.

This has continued into the modern era, often fanned by a heady mix of nationalism and populism.

The Philippines’ claim to Sabah is a case in point, and so are Pulau Batu Puteh...