Anwar making Thaksin an adviser is for Asean cooperation - Mat Hasan

The appointment of former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra as an informal adviser when Malaysia becomes Asean’s chair next year is viewed as a bridge to strengthen cooperation between the region and global powers.

Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan said Thaksin, a prominent figure in Thailand, is well-regarded by the United States and maintains close ties with China.

“His role (as an adviser) is informal. Thaksin is influential in Thailand, is accepted by the US, and has a close relationship with China. This positions him as a bridge for Asean (to foster stronger ties).

“Thaksin and other prominent figures are long-time associates of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim who can offer their insights on how Asean can progress further,” he said during a media briefing on Malaysia’s Asean Chairmanship 2025 in Kuala Lumpur last night.

Anwar announced Thaksin’s appointment, proposed by Malaysia and agreed to by Thailand, during a joint press conference with his Thai counterpart Paetongtarn Shinawatra in Putrajaya yesterday.

Mohamad further said the appointment of other prominent figures for the same role would 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 explained.

Malaysia will officially become the Asean chair 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 Mohamad Alamin, Foreign Ministry secretary-general Amran Mohamed Zin, and Asean-Malaysia National Secretariat director-general Zanariah Zainal Abidin.

Also present were Bernama chairperson Wong Chun Wai, chief executive officer 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.

- Bernama

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