For Immediate Press Release
Handover of the “Advisory Paper to the Chairperson of ASEAN and our Prime Minister of Malaysia, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim” by the Committee of ASEAN Peoples’ @ASEAN 2025
February 3, 2025
On the 3rd February, a delegation of 15 CSO leaders led by Convening Chair Jerald Joseph of Asean Peoples @Asean2025 (ASEAN Peoples) met the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dato’ Sri Amran Mohamed Zin excepted the “Advisory Paper to the Chairperson of ASEAN and our Prime Minister of Malaysia, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim”. The delegation had a good discussion and submitted our Advisory note to Chair of ASEAN.
The ASEAN Peoples extends its congratulations to the Malaysian government for the theme of “Inclusivity and Sustainability,” which resonates with the CSO’s theme “Our ASEAN: People at the Core.”
Since October 2024, ASEAN Peoples has focused on 18 Human Rights Thematic Clusters. Each cluster is led by Malaysian CSOs in partnership with like-minded CSOs locally and across SEA. These clusters are self-led, self-organised, and self-determined based on their respective capacities and resources. Their engagement and advocacy extend to respective ministries beyond the 2025 ASEAN Summit.
The advisory paper addresses a wide range of critical human rights issues, including the ongoing political crisis in Myanmar and human rights violations against the Rohingya community. It underscores the importance of the rule of law and independent institutions as cornerstones for ASEAN, advocating for non-discrimination, democracy, and the nurturing of future reformers. The paper also highlights the necessity of access to information and enabling mechanisms in the digital age.
Additionally, the paper addresses collective challenges such as restructuring maternity care for universal access, shifting towards harm-reduction strategies in drug policy, extending the Enabling Masterplan on disability rights, and understanding the way of life of Indigenous Peoples. The advisory paper calls for equitable access to resources and opportunities, focusing on marginalized communities to ensure they benefit from economic growth, in line with the global SDG goals. It advocates for responsible business models, an ASEAN-level SDG-SSE Roadmap for 2026-2030, and prioritizing institutional mechanisms for a just energy transition with minimal environmental impact.
Corruption has long impeded development in ASEAN. The CSOs urge ASEAN governments to institute strong anti-corruption measures, including robust public procurement laws and whistleblower protections. Strengthening judicial independence and establishing independent regulatory bodies free from political interference are also emphasized.
The ASEAN Peoples call upon ASEAN heads of state to grant Timor-Leste full membership to ASEAN this year, recognizing its progress and contribution to regional peace and stability. Its full inclusion will enrich ASEAN’s diversity and demonstrate the bloc’s commitment to inclusivity and progress.
ASEAN CSOs remains committed to bringing “Sustainability Inclusivity” to the grassroots level. ASEAN is urged to embark on a genuine partnership with CSOs in the 2045 ASEAN Vision Statement, recognizing the critical voices faithful to both nations and the ASEAN community. Long term, institutionalized engagement with all ASEAN entities is essential.
ASEAN is called to prioritize consultation and collaboration with civil society, ensuring ASEAN’s strategies align with the needs of its people, fostering trust, accountability, shared progress and
development in this region.
Copy of the Advisory Paper is attached with this statement.
Statement prepared by ASEAN PEOPLES’ @ASEAN 2025 Committee Members
For further information or clarifications please contact, Convening Secretariat c/o Pusat KOMAS Mr Jerald Joseph, Director of Pusat KOMAS at 012-2861715