Malaysia Appoints Thaksin Shinawatra as ASEAN Adviser

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has appointed former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra as an informal adviser to assist Malaysia in its upcoming chairmanship of ASEAN in 2025. Anwar expressed confidence that Thaksin's extensive experience as a statesman would provide valuable insights for effective leadership during Malaysia's presidency. The appointment was proposed by Malaysia and agreed upon by Thailand, aiming to leverage Thaksin's expertise alongside a team of ASEAN members in an informal advisory group. Anwar emphasized the need for such experience to foster a unified and prosperous ASEAN, with the chairmanship themed 'Inclusivity and Sustainability'. Additionally, former Singapore Minister George Yeo may also join the advisory group to contribute to ASEAN-related matters. Malaysia will officially take on the ASEAN chairmanship starting January 1, 2025.