KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia will present three key declarations to strengthen regional efforts in combating transnational crime at the 47th ASEAN Summit this weekend.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail confirmed the declarations resulted from the 19th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Transnational Crime held in Melaka from September 8 to 12.
“This ASEAN Summit is not merely a continuation but a vital bridge to ensure that the outcomes of the AMMTC in Melaka are translated into concrete policies at the ASEAN leadership level,” he said in a Facebook post.
The 19th AMMTC agreed to adopt the ASEAN Plan of Action in Combatting Transnational Crime covering 2026 to 2035 as a long-term strategic framework.
This regional plan focuses on intelligence cooperation, strengthening justice systems, digital security, social resilience and building enforcement capacity.
The first declaration is Malaysia’s initiative called the ASEAN Leaders’ Declaration on Combatting Money Laundering.
This declaration reaffirms the region’s commitment to strengthening financial integrity through tighter regulations and improved intelligence sharing.
The second declaration proposed by Vietnam focuses on enhancing cooperation in locating and arresting criminal fugitives.
It calls for regional collaboration in tracking offenders through information sharing and stronger extradition arrangements.
The third declaration proposed by Indonesia addresses the use of sports for preventing violent extremism.
This introduces a progressive approach to promote sports and youth development as tools to enhance resilience and prevent radicalisation.
Saifuddin Nasution said the three declarations form an essential foundation ahead of the ASEAN Summit.
“Malaysia is proud to have hosted these strategic discussions, which reflect our diplomatic capability in leading complex negotiations,” he added.
He emphasised Malaysia’s commitment to making ASEAN a secure, inclusive and resilient region through these initiatives.
“This is the spirit of Malaysia MADANI that we bring to the ASEAN stage – building a peaceful, progressive and human-centred region,” he stated.
The 47th ASEAN Summit themed “Inclusivity and Sustainability” will be held in Kuala Lumpur from October 26 to 28.
All 10 leaders of ASEAN member states will participate along with dialogue partners including the United States, China, Japan and India. – Bernama
