Malaysian Defence Minister Hishammuddin Hussein on Monday (January 23) called on newly-inaugurated U.S. President Donald Trump to reconsider his stance on Washington's commitment to Asia at regional security forum in Singapore.
Trump's "America First" rhetoric and calls for allies to pay more of the cost for U.S. troops in the region or face their possible withdrawal have worried officials in some Asian capitals. So has his opposition to a 12-nation pan-Pacific trade pact that was a linchpin of Washington's "pivot" to the region.
Hishammuddin also urged the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) to fill in the gap in light of such changes.
"President Donald Trump has a number of times highlighted the possibility of reducing certain U.S. commitments overseas.
"While we hope that he will reconsider, given how crucial the Asia Pacific is to America's security and economy, it is perhaps timely also that ASEAN takes this challenge in filling up the vacuum as the result of certain policy changes that involves the superpowers of the world," Hishammuddin said during the opening of the fifth annual International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) Fullerton Forum, the Shangri-La Dialogue Sherpa meeting.
Hishammuddin also called for a diplomatic solution to the South China Sea dispute, Asia's biggest potential military flashpoint, adding that the build-up of military might in the region has led to worries of a rising risk of accidental collisions that could spark conflict.
"We must also look beyond tired and childish notions of winners and losers for the simple fact that peace is a universal good and is not a zero-sum game. There has been as of late a regrettable tendency to pigeonhole foreign relations in the Asia Pacific as a series of false dichotomies - we are apparently being forced to choose between east and west, between China or the United States, between liberalism and populism," he said.
China claims most of the South China Sea as its territory. But Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam also have rival claims to parts of the waterway, which commands strategic sea lanes which carry some $5 trillion worth of trade a year.
Recent U.S. efforts to counter what it sees as China limiting freedom of navigation in the South China Sea have drawn Beijing's ire and stoked fears of military conflict.
Echoing Prime Minister Najib Razak's call on Myanmar to stop all discrimination and attacks on Rohingya Muslims at a meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) last week, Hishammuddin also urged Myanmar to reach out to the minority group.
"It needs to be resolved. We cannot sweep it under the carpet, it affects a lot of Muslims and is very emotional," he told an audience of military officials from over 20 countries in the Asia Pacific and the European Union.
Malaysia has spoken out strongly against mostly Buddhist Myanmar over its treatment of its Rohingya minority, especially since October, when security forces launched a crackdown in the north of Rakhine State on the Bangladesh border, where many Rohingya live.
At least 86 people have been killed and an estimated 66,000 have fled into Bangladesh since nine Myanmar policemen were killed on Oct. 9 in attacks on border posts, which the Myanmar government blamed on Rohingya supported by foreign militants.
Refugees, residents and human rights groups say Myanmar forces have committed summary executions, raped women and burned homes.
But the Myanmar government led by Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi has denied the accusations, saying many of the reports are fabricated. It insists the strife in Rakhine State is an internal matter.
Reuters
Mon Jan 23 2017
Hishammuddin also calls for a diplomatic solution to the South China Sea dispute, Asia's biggest potential military flashpoint. - Pix courtesy of Malaysian Defence Ministry
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.