KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 27 — Menteri Besar Dato' Seri Amirudin Shari has made a bold proposal to strategically include other countries in Asean to tackle regional migration challenges, raise wages, and enhance knowledge exchange.
Specifically, the Gombak MP suggested that nations like Australia and Bangladesh could be considered for closer ties with the regional bloc.
"At a time when much of the public is rejecting globalisation due to widening gaps in wealth and income, the aspect of regionalism has become increasingly important. This is the moment for Asean to chart a more equitable regional future for its people and communities.
"We must remain open to the strategic inclusion of other countries into Asean, such as Australia, which has its own strengths, and Bangladesh, so that we can better address issues of migration and the resettlement of those forced to relocate.
"This approach is crucial to ensuring stability, security, and the well-being of communities and populations across the region," he said when debating Budget 2026 in the Dewan Rakyat today.
Amirudin noted that while countries such as Australia may lie outside the geographical boundaries of Southeast Asia as defined in the Bangkok Declaration, advancements in technology and connectivity mean that travel between these nations takes only a few hours.
Therefore, it is vital that any neighbouring nation intending to join Asean must accept and uphold the bloc’s principles of peace and regional stability.
"With new members such as Timor-Leste and potential strategic partners like Australia and Bangladesh, Asean will be better positioned to raise overall wage levels, ensuring the region no longer remains trapped in a 'race to the bottom' in terms of salaries.
"And this will pave the way for genuine high-tech transfer, not merely the acceptance of foreign direct investments without corresponding growth in local capacity or technological advancement," he said.
Yesterday, Timor-Leste was officially admitted as the 11th permanent member of Asean, a milestone formalised by the signing of the declaration of admission during the 47th Asean Summit, chaired by Malaysia.
Amirudin added that the summit has showcased the bloc’s neutrality and centrality to the world, and this steadfast approach has strengthened Asean’s position as a hub for engagement and diplomacy.
However, he urged Malaysia to take the lead as a catalyst in boosting trade among Asean member states, since intra-regional trade remains relatively low at present.
"I consistently emphasise Asean, because its potential must be seized. Malaysia should champion the Asean project as a global hub for the collective prosperity and success of the region,” Amirudin said.
