Asean Fights to Contain Rise of Transnational Crime
The rise in transnational crime across Southeast Asia, brought about by the ongoing Myanmar crisis, has heightened the need for Asean member countries to advance the peace process, its leaders said.
Regional Problem
Malaysia’s foreign minister Mohamad Hasan said the crisis is no longer a domestic problem for Myanmar, while Thai foreign ministry spokesperson Nikorndej Balankura called for countries outside the regional bloc, including China, to lend a hand in resolving the issue.
Exclusive Interview
In an exclusive interview with FMT on the sidelines of the Asean foreign ministers’ retreat, Mohamad noted that Myanmar has overtaken Afghanistan as the world’s largest opium producer.
"We cannot afford to have this kind of problem within the (Asean) family," he said, adding that member countries must lend Myanmar their support in line with Asean’s focus on inclusivity and sustainability.
Thailand’s Support
Thailand would welcome support from China in beefing up cybersecurity and tackling transnational crime, Balankura said. Following the high-profile trafficking of a Chinese actor near the Thai-Myanmar border recently, Beijing has urged Asean to double down on efforts to crack down on transnational crime, particularly online gambling, fraud, and human trafficking.
Regional Response
The growth of the Asean digital economy has led more people to go online even when they do not have adequate skills or legal protection to keep them safe. This, together with the Myanmar crisis, has led to more intensive efforts by member states to tackle transnational crime.
In response to the new threat, a working group on combating online scams was set up at the Asean digital ministers meeting in January. The bloc is also working with external partners to shore up its cyber defences.
Asean’s Tackle on Rising Crime
Asean secretary-general Kao Kim Hourn said the regional bloc has several ways to tackle rising crime in the region. For instance, political, diplomatic, and security matters are discussed at Asean forums. These include ministerial meetings on drug issues aimed at ensuring that the situation in Myanmar does not have a regional impact.
Japanese Support
Japanese ambassador to Malaysia Shikata Noriyuki noted that his country is facing similar challenges. Malaysia and Japan are among the countries most frequently targeted by cyber-attacks, particularly those carried out by state-sponsored actors.
Conclusion
The Myanmar crisis has become a regional problem, and it is imperative for Asean member countries to work together to address the issue. The rise of transnational crime poses a significant threat to regional security and stability, and Asean must take a proactive approach to tackle this problem.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the current situation in Myanmar?
A: The military overthrew the country’s democratically-elected government in 2021, leading to widespread unrest and a humanitarian crisis.
Q: What is the impact of the Myanmar crisis on Asean?
A: The crisis has led to a significant increase in transnational crime, including drug trafficking, human trafficking, and online scams, posing a threat to regional security and stability.
Q: What is Asean doing to address the issue?
A: Asean has set up a working group on combating online scams and is working with external partners to shore up its cyber defences. The bloc is also discussing transnational crimes, including cybersecurity, cyber scams, and related issues.