Malaysia-Cambodia Vow To Bolster ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly For Regional Unity

By Vijian Paramasivam

PHNOM PENH, Jan 16 (Bernama) -- Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul arrived in the capital today to foster deeper engagement with Cambodia ahead of the 46th ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) to be held in Malaysia.

He is leading a delegation to invite his Cambodian counterpart National Assembly President Khuon Sudary to attend AIPA’s General Assembly later in September and support transforming ASEAN into a vibrant bloc.  

“The world is currently facing numerous challenges, with conflicts in Ukraine, the Middle East, and issues in Europe and America. However, ASEAN remains a region of stability.

“We are committed to preserving this stability and ensuring that ASEAN continues to thrive as one of the most dynamic and prosperous regions in the world.” Johari said in his opening remarks after a grand welcoming ceremony for the Malaysian delegation at the National Assembly this afternoon.

Describing ASEAN as a dynamic region with vast potentials, Johari urged Cambodia to work along with Malaysia, which has taken over the ASEAN chairmanship this year.

Malaysia will host the ASEAN Summit and the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Retreat will kick off in Langkawi this Saturday. 

AIPA - a regional parliamentary organisation established in September 1977 - is pivotal in engaging Southeast Asian lawmakers. They set policy directions for the development of AIPA’s objectives and as a forum to exchange ideas among its members.

“AIPA is all about sharing knowledge and sharing experiences to make things happen. All economic factors show that this century is ASEAN’s century, and we shall make it happen,” said Johari.

Addressing the visiting delegates, Sudary assured Cambodia’s steadfast support to Malaysia as chairman of ASEAN to bring more peace and stability to the region.

“Cambodia congratulates and supports Malaysia as the host of the ASEAN Summit and relevant meetings, and the 46th AIPA meeting. 

“Cambodia is ready to participate in this (endeavour). I believe with a strong leadership we can achieve great success, ASEAN centrality, peace, inclusivity and sustainability,” she said. 

Johari, who is AIPA’s 46th president for 2025, is on an ASEAN tour to rally support to bolster AIPA by engaging ASEAN member states ahead of the assembly. 

--  BERNAMA