Anwar's pick of Thaksin as 'informal adviser' on Asean causes a stir in Malaysia

Officials tout former Thai PM's experience, but others question foreign politician's appointment

- Harith Mustaffa

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's move to appoint former Thai premier Thaksin Shinawatra as his "informal adviser" when Kuala Lumpur takes over as Asean chair in 2025 has caused a stir in Malaysia.

And while some see it as strategic for the country to tap the experience of the 75-year-old Thai leader and possibly other political bigwigs on regional issues, especially the crisis in Myanmar, others are sceptical about turning to a foreign politician for advice, and a controversial one at that.

"I have agreed to appoint (Thaksin) as my informal adviser on chairing Asean, with a team of members from Asean countries in an informal set-up," said Datuk Seri Anwar during an official visit by Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Thaksin's daughter, at the Perdana Putra in Putrajaya on Dec 16.

Thaksin, who returned to Thailand in 2023 after over a decade of self-exile to avoid criminal charges, cuts a controversial figure in that country, where he had been convicted of corruption and abuse of power.

Still, Malaysian officials and analysts have said that Thaksin's influence not just in Thailand, but also in countries such as the United States and China could help Asean with challenges such as navigating US-China tensions or territorial spats in the South China Sea.

At the Dec 16 meeting with Ms Paetongtarn, Mr Anwar also proposed setting up an informal advisory group to the Asean chair, consisting of former Asean leaders. They will reportedly include Singapore's former foreign minister, Mr George Yeo, according to local news outlet Malay Mail.

The Straits Times has contacted Mr Yeo for comment.