KL Declaration to position Asean as respected regional bloc, says analysts
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the Kuala Lumpur Declaration, to be introduced at the upcoming 46th Asean Summit, will serve as a key reference point for the region's future direction. (Bernama pic)
PETALING JAYA : The Kuala Lumpur Declaration, to be unveiled at the Asean summit next week, is set to boost the bloc's image on the global stage, making it a more assertive, neutral and respected entity, according to academics.
Syahruddin Awang Ahmad from Universiti Malaysia Sabah said the declaration will highlight Malaysia's leadership and create a platform for Asean to tackle important issues like digital security, sustainable development and global power shifts.
Syahruddin Awang Ahmad.
'The declaration enables Malaysia and other Asean member states to collectively and credibly voice the concerns of developing countries on global issues,' said Syahruddin, an expert in psychological operations and public diplomacy.
'It will allow Asean to take a unified stance on matters such as climate change, unilateral economic sanctions and equitable development, while clearly rejecting pressure from major powers.'
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced last week that the declaration, to be unveiled at the 46th Asean Summit on May 26–27, will serve as a roadmap for the region's future.
Syahruddin said Malaysia could use the declaration to expand its influence through coordinated efforts with groups such as the UN's Group of 77, and China.
However, he cautioned that the declaration must include firm commitments to neutrality, respect for sovereignty, and the rejection of foreign interference, values enshrined in Asean's Zone of Peace, Freedom and Neutrality (Zopfan) and the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC).
'It must reaffirm Asean's commitment to peaceful dispute resolution. This isn't just symbolic. It's a clear signal that the region will not become a playground for external power rivalries,' he said.
Asean as a key driver of global issues
Azmi Hassan, a geostrategist from Akademi Nusantara, said the KL Declaration will strengthen the concept of Asean centrality by upgrading its role from observer to active participant in global affairs.
He said, unlike earlier declarations such as KL and Langkawi 2015, which were more domestically focused, the 2025 edition represents a bold shift toward a proactive global role, with Malaysia at the helm.
Azmi Hassan.
Azmi said the declaration reflects Anwar's push to make Asean more independent and respected, especially in global conflict, citing Malaysia's recent peace efforts in India- Pakistan and southern Thailand.
He expects the declaration to address key global conflicts and tensions, including the Gaza crisis, the Ukraine war and US-China trade disputes, signalling Asean's readiness to act as a balanced voice in today's multipolar world.
Rebranding Asean's global image
From a strategic communications standpoint, Syahruddin said the declaration could serve as a diplomatic instrument to reshape how the world sees Asean—not just for trade but as a mature community that values human rights, justice and shared security.
'Malaysia is wise to use this document to rebrand Asean, not only as a trade hub but as an influential participant in global discourse. This is key to enhancing Asean's credibility and global trust,' he said.
Both Syahruddin and Azmi expect the KL Declaration to include key elements such as regional digital transformation agenda, cross-border security intelligence sharing, greater cooperation in the green economy, as well as institutional reforms for quicker decision making.
'It may also codify ethical digital governance principles across the region, in response to cyber threats, misinformation, and digital inequality among member states,' said Syahruddin.
The 46th Asean Summit in Kuala Lumpur, scheduled for May 26-27, is expected to gather leaders from 10 member states as well as a host of international observers.
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