KUALA LUMPUR: Asean must remain a strategic player as a united bloc in the ever-changing geopolitical landscape in light of new partnerships between powerful and influential countries, says Senior Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein (pic).

       He said this can only be achieved if nations continue to communicate and work together, and as small nations, coalesce with those who share similar values in defending and promoting Asean centrality and the region’s interests with external parties.

       “As we know, new security arrangements such as Aukus (the trilateral security pact between Australia, the UK and US) have been announced, alongside previous security arrangements such as the QUAD being re-established – both with a shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific.

       “It is now more important than ever for Asean to be united in these trying times.

       “Despite the challenges, Asean has remained one of the most successful regional cooperations in the world, but new developments require us to work even harder, as the opportunities to split us continue to grow,” he said in his speech during the virtually-held Asean Defence Ministers Meeting (ADMM) Retreat on Wednesday shared with Bernama.

       He insisted that his counterparts – as a coalition of 10 nations – must steer the ADMM platform to be ready to face the new defence and security landscape of the world.

       “Asean must continue to be a stabilising influence in the region as it provides the necessary platform to promote confidence, enhance capabilities and conflict prevention through dialogue and practical cooperation,” he said.

       Meanwhile, during the Asean Australia-Defence Ministers’ Informal Meeting attended by Australia Defence Minister Peter Dutton, Hishammuddin said Asean appreciated Australia’s continued efforts in engaging Asean countries in ensuring that the Aukus will not affect the Asean-led regional architecture including ADMM-Plus, as well as the safety measures implemented in the use of nuclear submarines.

       “We welcome Australia, along with other members of Aukus’ commitment to keeping us informed on developments regarding the arrangement,” he said.

       He said in recent times, it could be observed that the balance of power in the region has become increasingly complex, adding that Malaysia aims to promote peace, stability and prosperity across the region.

       “We want to cultivate good relations with everyone and are committed to collectively maintaining peace and stability in the region.

       “We do not want to be dragged into the geopolitics of the considerations of huge powers,” he said.

       During the Asean-South Korea Defence Minister’ Informal Meeting attended by South Korea Defence Minister Suh Wook, Hishammuddin said the meeting was an opportunity for Asean and South Korea to further explore potential areas of defence cooperation.

       “I have no doubt that the numerous cooperation under the ADMM-Plus ambit, such as training and exchanges in the fields of counter terrorism and cyberdefence, have improved professionalism among Asean states.

       “Other potential areas for collaboration that could be taken up between Asean and the Republic of Korea are in defence industry, science and technology,” said Hishammuddin, who accompanied Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob as they visited a military equipment production facility, PT Pindad, in Bandung, Indonesia yesterday.