Thaksin Shinawatra to Advise Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Asean Affairs
Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is set to act as an ‘informal adviser’ to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim when Malaysia takes over as Asean chair on New Year’s Day.
Refamiliarization Needed
Thaksin’s informal appointment was Anwar’s prerogative, but according to Sharon Seah of the Iseas-Yusof Ishak Institute, Thaksin would require time to refamiliarize himself with developments in the region. Thaksin has been out of the Asean scene for 15 years, having been ousted as Thailand’s prime minister following a 2006 military coup. He immediately went into exile, before resurfacing last year.
Complicated Issues
In that period, the issues and geopolitical landscape in Asean have become much more complicated, said Seah. "I expect that he might need time to reacquaint himself with Asean matters. Thaksin’s strength is as a strategist, so having him on board to help Malaysia strategise and recalibrate issues during its chairmanship year could be helpful," she told FMT.
Assembly of Informal Team
When making the announcement, Anwar also said he intended to assemble an informal team of advisers from various Asean nations. It has been speculated that George Yeo and Retno Marsudi – former foreign ministers of Singapore and Indonesia, respectively – would be part of the team.
Controversy and Criticism
Earlier this month, PAS information chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari questioned the rationale and "morality" of Thaksin’s appointment, citing the former Thai premier’s past corruption conviction. However, Seah said the appointment was not necessarily a bad decision, though it may present tricky dynamics which Anwar would have to juggle.
Challenges Ahead
"For instance, in the case of the Myanmar crisis, potentially, Myanmar’s internal voices may not take well to certain figures stepping in. You might recall that Thaksin offered a mediating role in Myanmar back in May 2024 but the EAOs (ethnic armed organisations) rejected this," she said.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, irrespective of the appointments, it would fall on Anwar and Malaysia, as the grouping’s chair, to make all final decisions, said Seah. Malaysia will officially assume the Asean chairmanship on Jan 1, 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Thaksin Shinawatra’s role in the Asean chairmanship?
A: Thaksin Shinawatra is set to act as an informal adviser to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Asean affairs.
Q: Why is Thaksin’s appointment controversial?
A: Thaksin’s appointment has been criticized due to his past corruption conviction and his ousting as Thailand’s prime minister following a military coup.
Q: What is the significance of Malaysia’s Asean chairmanship?
A: Malaysia’s Asean chairmanship is significant as it will require the country to make key decisions and navigate complex issues in the region.