Meetings to be held nationwide, not just in KL, when Malaysia is Asean Chair

KUALA LUMPUR: Asean meetings will be held nationwide and not confined to Kuala Lumpur during Malaysia's tenure as Chair, says Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.

Malaysia is set to assume the Asean Chair next year and will host various meetings related to the regional bloc.

“A total of 257 high-level meetings involving leaders and officials will be held next year,” the Foreign Minister told the Dewan Rakyat during Question Time on Wednesday (July 10).

“We have identified the venues. We will spread the meetings to various places nationwide... including Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, Johor, Melaka, Penang, Negri Sembilan and Langkawi."

He said logistics matters are already being looked into so that guests from all over the world may be accommodated as well.

Apart from member nations, Asean Plus dialogue partners are expected to attend several meetings.

“This is an honour for Malaysia. Various events are planned along with the meetings,” Mohamad said.

Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari(PH-Gombak) had asked about the preparations for Malaysia to become Asean Chair next year and the planned objectives for its term.