KUALA LUMPUR: Appointments of informal advisers to the Asean Chair are based on expertise and extensive experience in geopolitics and regional affairs, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (pic).
In a written reply, the Prime Minister said background checks “do not arise” as the appointees previously held the highest offices in their countries.
He said this is especially true in international affairs and particularly relating to Myanmar.
“These individuals also volunteered their services and expertise on the basis of longstanding friendships among Asean countries,” he said.
Anwar responded to Datuk Seri Dr Shahidan Kassim (PN–Arau).
He asked whether background checks were conducted before appointing any informal adviser to the Asean Chair.
He also sought clarification on their roles and necessity.
The reply follows Malaysia’s appointment of former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra to the informal advisory group during Malaysia’s Asean chairmanship last December.
Malaysia handed the chairmanship to the Philippines last month.
Thaksin served as Thailand’s premier from 2001 until he was ousted in a 2006 military coup.
He returned from self-exile in August 2023 to face jail time but spent six months under hospital detention for health reasons and was released on parole in February last year.
Before his appointment as an Asean informal adviser, Thaksin reportedly met groups opposing Myanmar’s military junta.
These included the National Unity Government in efforts to help mediate the conflict since the 2021 coup.
In April last year, Anwar met Myanmar junta leader General Min Aung Hlaing in Bangkok.
He said the engagement was under an Asean mandate, adding it aimed to secure a ceasefire and facilitate post earthquake humanitarian assistance after the March 28 quake.
Anwar added the matter was discussed with all Asean leaders and none objected.
