38th APR: Multilateralism Key to Resilience, Regional Cooperation - Experts

KUALA LUMPUR, June 18 (Bernama-Xinhua) -- Strengthening multilateralism is vital to overcoming geopolitical tensions and ensuring sustained global cooperation, experts said at the 38th Asia-Pacific Roundtable (APR) organised by ISIS Malaysia.

Held from June 17 to 19, the forum in Kuala Lumpur saw panellists agree that the global divide lies not between the West and the Global South, but between countries that uphold international norms and those that do not, Xinhua news agency reported.

Experts noted that small and middle powers are increasingly turning to multipolar partnerships to manage rising uncertainty.

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Asia New Zealand Foundation Chief Executive Suzannah Jessep said smaller states are forging partnerships based on trust and shared priorities.

“The world has become more unpredictable, more so for small and middle powers. They have a clear stake in resisting the drift toward a world where ‘might is right,” she said.

Rather than picking sides, countries like Malaysia are building ties across platforms as a hedge against volatility. Experts said this flexibility enhances resilience.

Professor Kuik Cheng-Chwee of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia said ASEAN and newer blocs like BRICS offer smaller nations diversified options and reduce reliance on any single power.

“Malaysia has been a strong proponent of the ASEAN mechanism while also engaging in platforms like BRICS. Geopolitical tensions create uncertainty, and hedging is about reducing risks,” he said.

Given the world’s interdependence, experts also noted that local disruptions can have wide impacts. Experts called for an adaptive multilateral system to boost regional cooperation and resilience.

Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan also stressed the need to move away from reliance on any one strategic partner.

“We must keep multilateralism alive, but also reform how we pursue it. It’s time to nurture cooperation that allows us to support one another,” he said.

Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia Ouyang Yujing said peaceful coexistence is an Asian value, urging countries to pursue shared security and development through dialogue and joint efforts.

-- BERNAMA-XINHUA