He said pressing issues, from the conflict in Gaza and global economic uncertainties to the prolonged Myanmar crisis, the deepening Thai-Cambodian border dispute, and climate challenges affecting the region, all called for greater cohesion and concerted action.

“It’s one of the rare occasions when global leaders will meet in this region. Of course we will have our differences in terms of some of the issues. Palestine and Gaza for instance.

“But what’s important is, ASEAN (Summit) will be an opportunity for us to come together and negotiate at the same table, and express our views openly,” he told Bernama when met recently.

The former Ambassador to Thailand asserted that ASEAN’s convening role remains crucial in building trust and fostering mutual understanding to maintain regional stability amid shifting global complexities.

“The issues will always be there, but what matters is how we handle them, how we convey our concerns, and how we keep the communication going,” he added.

In the interview that also touched on the situations in Myanmar and the lingering Cambodia-Thailand border dispute, Jojie emphasised on the need to build confidence and trust in resolving the protracted regional conflicts. 

He said what is lacking is trust among the parties involved, noting that efforts need to be taken to strengthen communication and engagement to ensure peace and stability in the region.

“People need to talk more and engage in greater dialogue to build confidence and trust. These issues are not ASEAN-centric but affect the whole world,” he said.

He stated ASEAN continues to advocate a Myanmar-led and Myanmar-owned solution to the crisis, stressing that the people of Myanmar must be part of the peace process.

At the same time, he said Malaysia has played a constructive role as an honest broker in facilitating peace between Thailand and Cambodia, ensuring the ceasefire continues to hold.

“It must be resolved voluntarily between both sides, with support from ASEAN and external partners to sustain peace,” he said.

Jojie also commended Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s role as ASEAN Chair, describing that the Prime Minister has taken active and hands on approach in addressing the issues confronting the region particularly. 

“He has that leadership. He has full grasp of the issues. You can see that he is very passionate and actively involved as an ASEAN Chair.

“He communicates with all the other ASEAN leaders to get them to agree and to keep them informed of what is happening. So for an ASEAN chair, I think that's commendable,” he said.

The 47th ASEAN Summit and related summits are set to convene at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre from Oct 26 to 28.

Held under Malaysia’s ASEAN 2025 Chairmanship themed "Inclusivity and Sustainability", the Summit is expected to be among the largest in the history of the regional bloc's organisation.

Besides ASEAN leaders, US President Donald Trump, Chinese Premier Li Qiang, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Brazilian President President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa are among the over 20 global leaders expected to attend.

This is also the fifth time Malaysia has assumed the ASEAN Chair since the bloc’s inception in 1967, with the previous chairmanships in 2015, 2005, 1997 and 1977.

-- BERNAMA