BUTTERWORTH: The resolution from the 2024 Penang Barisan Nasional (BN) convention to establish an Asean Foundation will be submitted to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for further consideration, says BN chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
The Deputy Prime Minister highlighted the foundation's potential role in addressing various regional issues such as natural disasters and health matters, including organ transplants.
"The foundation would manage matters related to organ transplants, including funding and encouraging Asean member states to donate organs for the collective benefit of the region," he said.
Ahmad Zahid also suggested that the foundation could pool funds through contributions from Asean countries.
"These funds could be used for scholarships, enabling citizens across Asean nations to pursue higher education. However, this proposal is subject to approval from other member states," he told reporters after opening the 2024 Penang BN convention on Sunday (Dec 15).
Ahmad Zahid, who also holds the portfolio of Rural and Regional Development Minister, noted that the foundation, if realised, could also serve as a legacy of the party.
The convention, attended by around 3,000 delegates, unanimously approved the resolution to establish the Asean Foundation.
Malaysia will assume the Asan chairmanship for 2025 from Laos, beginning Jan 1 next year.
Malaysia had previously held the Asean chair four times - in 1977, 1997, 2005 and 2015. – Bernama
