Malaysia Needs To Follow Laos’ Example For A More Proactive ASEAN Chairmanship - Ambassador

From Norsyafawati Ab Wahab

VIENTIANE (LAOS), Sept 26 (Bernama) -- Malaysia should take advantage of Laos' experience as a guide to become more proactive and prepared when it assumes the ASEAN Chairmanship next year.

Malaysia's Ambassador to Laos, Edi Irwan Mahmud, said that although Laos is economically behind other ASEAN countries, Malaysia can learn from the country's approach in terms of hospitality.

"Despite facing financial, workforce, and facility constraints, Laos has done its best so far.

"Malaysia, as a founding member of ASEAN, should showcase even greater capabilities, given the facilities and experience we possess," he told reporters here today.

He added that Malaysia is better prepared to take over the ASEAN Chairmanship for the fifth time, having previously held the position in 1977, 1997, 2005, and 2015.

"Compared to Laos, which has limitations in terms of hotel rooms, we have many good hotels in Malaysia, and Malaysia does not face the same transportation and accommodation challenges," he said.

At the same time, Edi Irwan also said that the Prime Minister of Laos, Sonexay Siphandone, is scheduled to hand over the ASEAN Chairmanship to Malaysia's Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, on October 11, during the ASEAN Summit.

The 44th ASEAN Summit will take place in Vientiane, Laos, from October 6 to October 11.

ASEAN, founded on August 8, 1967, now comprises 10 countries – Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand, Singapore, and Vietnam. Timor-Leste is still awaiting full membership in the group.

--BERNAMA