ASEAN adopts innovative approaches to tackle transnational and cyber crimes - Malaysian FM

He said Malaysia's initiative led to the establishment of the Senior Officials Meeting on Transnational Crime (SOMTC) Working Group on Money Laundering, enhancing regional coordination in combating cross-border financial crimes and cyber-driven criminal networks.

"The complex security-related issues deeply affect the fabric of our societies, the safety of our citizens, and pose a direct threat to our economic resilience and national security.

"This reminds us of the need to strengthen cooperation, coordination and regional efforts to counter transnational crime," he said in his opening remarks at the 30th ASEAN Political-Security Community (APSC) Council Meeting here today.

Mohamad called on ASEAN member states to strengthen collective action to protect regional peace and stability as the bloc transitions from the APSC Blueprint 2025 to the ASEAN 2045 Strategic Plan, guided by key findings from the blueprint's end-term review.

In addition, he stressed the need for adaptability in facing today's evolving global security challenges, marked by geopolitical rivalry, economic uncertainty and transnational threats.

"Strengthening our mechanism of cooperation across defence, law enforcement and legal institutions will be critical to safeguarding regional peace and stability," he said.

He noted that ASEAN's defence cooperation has also made substantial strides, pointing to the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) and ADMM-Plus as key platforms driving joint exercises and expanding collaboration into emerging domains such as cyber, maritime and health security.

Mohamad added that defence ministers have further agreed to advance cooperation on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in defence, including raising awareness of its security implications and promoting the responsible and ethical use of AI in the military sphere.

On human rights, he commended the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) for championing the right to a safe, clean, healthy and sustainable environment, as well as for its efforts to strengthen the ASEAN Guideline on the Non-Punishment Principle for victims of human trafficking.

He said the long-anticipated ASEAN Extradition Treaty is now in its final stage and expected to be signed next month, while the newly established ASEAN Prosecutors/Attorneys-General Meeting (APAGM) will further strengthen regional coordination in prosecution and efforts to combat transnational crimes.

As ASEAN navigates a more complex security landscape shaped by intensifying geopolitical and geoeconomic competition, Mohamad urged the bloc to remain united, consistent and forward-looking.

"Strengthening our mechanism of cooperation across defence, law enforcement and legal institutions will be critical to safeguarding regional peace and stability," he said.

The APSC, held ahead of the 47th ASEAN Summit, is one of the three pillars of the ASEAN Community alongside the Economic Community (AEC) and Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) and plays a central role in maintaining peace, stability and prosperity across ASEAN.

Established under the Bali Concord II in 2003, the APSC seeks to create a region that lives in peace, harmony and justice, grounded in democracy, good governance and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.

-- BERNAMA