New Japan PM’s ASEAN Summit Debut Can Signal Continuity And Possible Policy Shift – Munir Majid

By Nurunnasihah Ahmad Rashid

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 24 (Bernama) -- Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s maiden appearance at the ASEAN Summit 2025 in Kuala Lumpur will mark Tokyo’s continuing engagement with Southeast Asia, said ASEAN Business Club president Tan Sri Dr Munir Majid.

He said Japan and ASEAN have had a long cooperative relationship that would continue under the new Prime Minister, but what should be done at the 47th ASEAN Summit is to consolidate it and to identify what can be done together in the overturned economic and trade order.

However, he said that Takaichi’s own mark and the impression she makes in that engagement would depend on her longevity as Japan’s Prime Minister and the kind of foreign policy she would bring with it.

Munir said there are indications from statements she has made that Japan would be more independent of the United States (US) and would want to get closer to China and pursue Japan’s interest.

“US President Donald Trump’s tariffs and threats have not gone down well in Japan, especially among supporters of the opposition right-wing Japan Innovation Party which also has strong views against immigrants and immigration in an ageing Japan.

“It would be good to see how she expresses an independent foreign policy in cooperation with ASEAN,” he said, adding that Takaichi has been chosen by the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) to fight back against Japan Innovation Party’s right-wing appeal.

Munir also emphasised on sectoral cooperation, saying Japan’s technological leadership in sustainability and adaptation finance should be a major focus for ASEAN countries.

“Japan is already invested in energy-transition projects in Sarawak. Greater Japanese involvement in climate action should be vigorously pursued by both sides (Japan and Malaysia),” he said.

He said that Japan could also bring modern, innovative methods to boost agricultural productivity — an area close to ASEAN’s heart as the Philippines prepares to assume the next chairmanship of the regional bloc.

Nevertheless, there are several questions that would be asked of Japan’s under its new leader, Munir added.

They include how the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) could work more closely together, especially on the rules of origin; whether Japan would now not resist China’s membership of CPTPP; and also whether Japan would be more active in regional economic diplomacy.

Takaichi, who was appointed Prime Minister on Oct 21, 2025, would be making her diplomatic debut at the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits.

While here, she plans to meet her Malaysian counterpart and ASEAN chair, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, for bilateral talks.

The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) president was elected following LDP’s agreement with the Japan Innovation Party to form a coalition government.

Japan has remained one of ASEAN’s largest trading partners and investors, with total two-way trade reaching US$236.4 billion last year, while Japan’s foreign direct investment to ASEAN reached nearly US$18 billion. (US$1=RM4.22).

Earlier, Anwar said the summit has attracted the participation of top representatives from across the globe, including the United States, China, Japan, Russia, Europe, the Middle East, Latin America, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa, making it one of the largest and most significant international gatherings ever hosted by Malaysia.

-- BERNAMA