Malaysia affirms ASEAN as core of Indo-Pacific security

Malaysia hosted the 37th International Military Law and Operations Conference (MILOPS) in Kuala Lumpur, positioning it as a crucial platform for building confidence and enhancing cooperation for peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. The conference, held from August 3 to 6, aimed to strengthen professional understanding and trust among nations committed to regional security.

Defense Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin highlighted Malaysia's belief in dialogue and engagement as key instruments for maintaining peace. He stressed that ASEAN, situated at the heart of the Indo-Pacific, is indispensable for any meaningful regional dialogue, with its stability forming the bedrock for broader regional security. "No meaningful Indo-Pacific dialogue can take place without a peaceful and united ASEAN. Southeast Asia is at the center of the Indo-Pacific region, and ASEAN's stability is the foundation for the stability of the wider region," he stated during his keynote address.

Nordin underscored the importance of ASEAN's structured regional security framework, advocating for it to remain the primary channel for Indo-Pacific discussions. He also reaffirmed the commitment to the Zone of Peace, Freedom, and Neutrality (ZOPFAN), a concept pioneered by Malaysia in 1971. The decades of peace in the region have facilitated economic growth and prosperity, solidifying ASEAN's status as a successful regional organization. "Peace does not require us to choose sides. Instead, peace requires us to connect with all parties and respect all parties while continuing to uphold our principles and interests," he added.

Furthermore, the minister emphasized that all nations engaging with ASEAN must respect the Southeast Asia Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC), which governs regional norms and principles. TAC, he explained, serves as ASEAN's code of conduct, promoting mutual respect, peaceful dispute resolution, non-interference in internal affairs, and cooperation. He also reminded attendees that the military's true role is to prevent conflict through dialogue, diplomacy, and mediation, rather than waging war. Military presence should signify a shared commitment to peace, not intimidation. Nordin concluded by calling on global powers to consistently uphold international law and the rules-based order.