Kuwait city: Malaysian Defense Minister Mohammad Nordin said on Friday that ASEAN centrality must remain the region's guiding principles. Addressing the 19th meeting of ASEAN Defense Ministers, held in Kuala Lumpur, the Malaysian minister said ASEAN centrality is anchored on the collective commitment to always place ASEAN's interests above all else.
According to Kuwait News Agency, the minister emphasized that ASEAN can only maintain its strength and unity by standing together, ensuring its position as the principal platform for dialogue and cooperation in the region. He highlighted that the current security challenges, including cyberattacks, misinformation, and digital manipulation, are as threatening as territorial disputes. This necessitates ASEAN's adoption of technological foresight, cybersecurity collaboration, and shared innovation.
The defense minister stated, "Whether on land, at sea or in cyberspace, we cannot afford to ignore any front of our security anymore. Powerful non-state actors wield technology as a weapon to disrupt societies, topple governments and undermine critical infrastructure through cyberattacks, misinformation and digital manipulation."
Minister Nordin expressed gratitude towards Thailand and Cambodia for trusting Malaysia to assist in the peaceful resolution of their border disputes. He also acknowledged the support of other ASEAN member states and partners, including the United States, in these efforts.