Stronger together: Mohamed Khaled (sixth from left) posing alongside his Asean counterparts at the ADMM retreat in Batu Ferringhi, Penang. — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star
GEORGE TOWN: The Asean Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) Retreat has agreed to present all five issues proposed by Malaysia for full discussion at the full ADMM meeting in November, says Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.
The issues include artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity defence, maritime security, humanitarian assistance and disaster management.
“ADMM has accepted all the proposals presented by Malaysia,” he said during a press conference after chairing the ADMM retreat yesterday.
On Tuesday, Mohamed Khaled had said that Malaysia would introduce the five key proposals at the ADMM Retreat.
He emphasised that the meeting served as a vital platform for members to exchange views and shape discussions for the upcoming summit.
He added that the purpose of the retreat is to allow all parties to share their perspectives, which will act as the basis for discussions at the full meeting in November.
Mohamed Khaled stressed the need for Asean to take responsibility for the potential negative impacts of AI.
He stressed that ADMM’s decision to adopt a resolution on AI is crucial for regional cyber security.
Strengthening Asean’s collaboration with the international community to address emerging security threats was also highlighted.
Another key topic discussed at the retreat was about strengthening Asean unity and regional cooperation in tackling emerging security challenges.
“We have discussed various possible defence cooperation initiatives based on the need to maintain Asean’s unity and to strengthen cooperation among its members.
“Moreover, we cannot ignore the emerging challenges of traditional and non-traditional security threats,” he said.
Mohamed Khaled also said there are plans to hold workshops on future ADMM and ADMM Plus.
One of the agreements reached was the need to raise awareness about protecting underwater cable infrastructure.
“The time has come to consider how to safeguard regional underwater cable infrastructure from a defence perspective,” Mohamed Khaled said.
Other issues discussed were food security and transnational crime.
“If we do not pay attention to these issues, new challenges may arise.
“We have raised the issue of transnational crime and how to improve cooperation and experience sharing in border security management.
On the role of Asean in resolving conflict in Myanmar, Mohamed Khaled said Asean’s approach should be diplomatic rather than military.
He believed the matter remains a priority for Asean heads of government.
“We have to be very clear. It is important that we stand guided by the decision of the heads of government in trying to resolve the conflict in Myanmar,” he said.
On biosecurity, Mohamed Khaled urged Asean members to take the issue seriously regardless of the United States’ position within the World Health Organization.
“We must be prepared with the preventive measures in any eventuality,” he said.
He highlighted the security risks posed by infectious diseases such as Covid-19.
“This is not just a health issue, it’s a security risk. We must be proactive rather than reactive,” he stated.
