Malaysia firmly believes that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) continues to play a critical role in addressing challenges brought by the pandemic through the implementation of the many initiatives discussed through the various Asean-led mechanisms.

Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin, in his intervention at the 37th Asean Summit plenary session today, said what is required now is ensuring these initiatives serve as the platform for Asean to work collectively, with external partners and other interested parties in alleviating and countering the impacts of Covid-19 in the region.