The contentious China and the US trade relationship is likely to be one of the key issues to be dominate discussions between leaders of ASEAN when to meet in Kuala Lumpur for the ASEAN summit.
Geopolitical analyst Prof Dr Azmi Hassan said as chairman of ASEAN, the challenge for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is how to maneuver and arrive to a decision on critical issues among member states.
Traditionally, ASEAN member states are split in coming to a decision especially on the matter concerning the superpowers. Some ASEAN members appear to refer at the China for signal and support while some at the US, he added. As chairman, Malaysia must be able sail through this sometimes-choppy waters effectively in the effort to secure a consensus on main issues.
Nevertheless, Dr Azmi believes Anwar with his firm leadership whose eloquent speeches and superb people relationship will be more than able to lead ASEAN leaders towards a common goal.
This year’s ASEAN Summit is likely to see the participation of leaders from the Gulf Countries. The very least, Dr Azmi feels, Malaysia is looking to shift the attention and focus of ASEAN members from the traditional partners like US, China and Europe to the potential in the Gulf states.
