Asean must remain neutral to ensure regional stability: Khaled

Asean must remain neutral to any major world power to maintain stability in the Southeast Asian region, Defence Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin said.

He said Asean is a balancer of power and a contributor to peace and stability in the region.

“Without the close cooperation among members of this 10-member grouping, the region is easily headed towards chaos.

“That is why, the principle of Asean centrality needs to be respected and preserved.

“Asean should not be disturbed, be pushed around, or be influenced by any superpower,” he told reporters in Kluang today.

The minister said an Asean member country will face difficulties if they have to deal with major threats alone without the support and cooperation of other members of the grouping.

Earlier, Khaled attended the closing of the LTAT Contributors' Week: Southern Tour 2024 organised by the Armed Forces Fund Board (LTAT) today.

The LTAT Contributors' Week: Southern Tour 2024, which began on Sept 2, ended today with some 3,500 visitors recorded, mostly among the military personnel and their families.

At the event, Khaled also launched the LTAT Contributors Report.

- Bernama

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