Malaysia Appoints Thaksin as ASEAN Adviser

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has appointed former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra as an informal adviser for Malaysia's upcoming chairmanship of ASEAN next year. This strategic move aims to leverage Thaksin's extensive experience and influence in regional politics. The appointment was announced during a press conference alongside Thaksin's daughter, current Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, in Putrajaya. Anwar is also assembling a diverse team of advisors from various ASEAN countries, with potential inclusion of Singapore’s former foreign minister George Yeo. Concurrently, Malaysia plans to engage with major global actors like Japan, China, and the United States to address regional security issues. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to ensure stability and development in Southeast Asia during Malaysia's tenure as ASEAN chair.