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For better or worse, the world will remember Malaysia’s Asean chairmanship for US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim busting some moves on the tarmac to the theme from Hawaii Five-O, shortly after the American leader disembarked from Air Force One.
Mr Trump’s presence loomed large over proceedings in Kuala Lumpur on the first day of the 47th Asean Summit. He witnessed peace and trade deals and generally praised regional leaders on this stop of his Asian tour.
However, after the glow of the congratulatory atmosphere has faded, Mr Anwar faces questions from both sides of the political divide about Kuala Lumpur’s trade deal with Washington. Lawmakers have asked whether Malaysia has ceded its sovereignty in the attempt to bring export tariffs to the US down to 19 per cent.
And for all the significant outcomes including the ceasefire accord between Thailand and Cambodia over their border dispute, the South China Sea and Myanmar conflicts remain the elephant in the room.
The contrast between the handover videos from current to incoming chair at the closing ceremony could not be more stark.
Malaysia’s was filled with imagery of South-east Asian camaraderie, including warm handshakes and embraces during the Thai-Cambodia deal, and the historic entry of Timor-Leste as Asean’s 11th member.
But the Philippines chose to highlight security and prosperity, featuring defence assets, especially naval ships, in a thinly veiled reference to their recent clashes with China.
It is becoming apparent that while Asean has broad convening power to bring leaders across the globe together, it does not have the same force to push complex issues forward.
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