World · Malaysia Bureau
Asean must deepen connectivity to enable freer regional movement
Malaysia's Deputy Prime Minister Mohamad Hasan has called for Asean to strengthen integration among member states, drawing parallels with the European Union's open movement framework. Speaking in New York, he outlined a vision for greater intra-regional mobility and economic cooperation.
LSN Malaysia ·
KUALA LUMPUR — Malaysia's Deputy Prime Minister Mohamad Hasan has urged Asean to intensify efforts to boost connectivity across the bloc, positioning deeper integration as essential for the region's collective progress.
Speaking at an international forum in New York on Friday, Hasan highlighted the need for member states to work more closely on infrastructure, digital connectivity, and people-to-people exchanges. He pointed to the European Union's framework for free movement of citizens and goods as a potential model that Asean could aspire towards, albeit adapted to suit the region's unique circumstances.
"Stronger connectivity creates more opportunities for cooperation and growth," Hasan said, underscoring how improved links between Asean capitals could facilitate trade, investment, and tourism across the 10-member bloc.
The remarks reflect Malaysia's broader commitment to regional integration initiatives under the Asean Comprehensive Investment Agreement and other cooperation frameworks. Asean has long pursued enhanced connectivity through its Master Plan on Asean Connectivity, though progress has varied across infrastructure development, digital systems, and institutional coordination.
Hasan's vision aligns with broader discussions among Asean leaders about deepening the bloc's integration to strengthen its collective influence in geopolitics and economics, particularly amid shifting global dynamics in the Indo-Pacific region.