PUTRAJAYA: The Kuala Lumpur Declaration, a set of key documents representing the culmination of the upcoming Asean Summit 2025, will prepare the ground for the regional grouping’s future in governance, strategic preparedness and digital transformation, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister said the Kuala Lumpur Declaration, which will be unveiled at the 46th Asean Summit next Monday reflects Asean’s collective commitment to move beyond rhetoric and getting into action on key issues.
“Governance, digital development and the future, these are the areas we will address thoroughly in the KL Declaration,” said Anwar when briefing the media on the Asean Summit and related summits last night.
The Prime Minister said peace and security are the important preconditions for regional progress and the KL Declaration addresses this by identifying the strategic focus areas for Asean’s next phase of development.
“Sub-regional and regional groupings are also demanding more than just cooperation and understanding. They want specifics and the KL Declaration addresses that,” he said.
Anwar also said the document was discussed and refined during the recent Asean leaders’ session.
“Most of the content is already known among member states. What is important now is the firm commitment to act on it,” he added.
The Asean Summit will see foreign minister-level meetings on Sunday, while the Leaders’ Summit will commence for two days beginning the following day.
On another matter, the Prime Minister maintained there will be no Cabinet reshuffle after the PKR polls, but no ministers will be stopped from resigning if they wish to do so.
He described the party polls as a competition between close friends and urged PKR members to vote for those who are capable of strengthening the party machinery.
“The issue of Cabinet reshuffle does not arise... but, we cannot stop anyone’s ambitions.
“They think it (minister) has to be replaced, it is normal. But if you ask me, there are no plans to carry out any Cabinet reshuffle,” he said.
Recently, Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli announced his readiness to step down as Economy Minister if he fails to defend the deputy presidency in the party elections tomorrow.
Rafizi is set to defend the post against Nurul Izzah Anwar, who is the Prime Minister’s daughter.
Anwar also refuted suggestions the intense PKR polls will create the impression among Asean delegates that Malaysia is politically unstable.
“Only if politics is stable, we are able to contest party positions.
“If it is unstable or a dictatorship, then there will not be contests at all levels.
“So, we must look at it positively and it will not affect anything,” said Anwar.
