The important event took place at the building formerly known as the Kuala Lumpur Trade Center, later renamed the World Trade Center (WTO), bearing the prominent architectural and commercial symbol of the capital city.
In mid-September, AIPA-46 was not only a gathering place for regional legislators but also a strong affirmation that the National Assembly/Parliamentary bodies represent the will and aspirations of nearly 700 million people and voters of ASEAN who are facing many major challenges such as geopolitical instability, climate change, economic decline, etc.
The core message of AIPA-46 emphasised the pioneering role of elected bodies in policy making, monitoring implementation and representing the voice of the people.
Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, in his opening remarks, clearly stated that AIPA is not only a bridge between the government and the people, but also a driving force for economic solidarity, strengthening ASEAN’s central position in the face of global challenges. He underscored that the spirit of close cooperation between parliaments and governments will make the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 a reality, an inclusive, sustainable, resilient, innovative and people-centered community.
Through discussions, international delegates at forums and meetings called for increased participation of women, youth and vulnerable groups in the legislative process. In the context of a volatile world, many opinions affirmed that ASEAN solidarity must be strengthened through dialogue, not confrontation. AIPA Secretary General Siti Rozaimeriyanty Dato Haji Abdul Rahman emphasised that the parliamentary channel is an irreplaceable bridge between commitment and action, between vision and reality. She called on members to take concrete actions, to make the people’s aspirations the center of policy decisions, to enhance the region’s resilience against unforeseen storms.
The topics of great importance but very practical, encompassing but close to real life demonstrate the leading role and strategic vision of ASEAN parliaments, which are likened to “legal gatekeepers”, each National Assembly/Parliament in each country is the “front line”. That ensures that regional and international agreements are internalised, bringing real benefits to small businesses and disadvantaged communities, so that no one is left behind in the digital revolution or green transformation that has been creating strong changes.
AIPA-46 proved that parliaments are no longer a “rear-based” factor but demonstrate a “pioneering” role in shaping the future. Viet Nam and Malaysia have pledged to support each other, join hands to create changes in mechanisms, make breakthrough decisions, and unite with members to turn global instability into internal strength. The common spirit of the leaders was determined to act decisively today, only then will ASEAN be truly “sustainable and inclusive”, contributing to peace and prosperous development.
The heads of delegations and international delegates warmly welcomed the message spread in the speech of National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man at AIPA-46; thereby emphasising that AIPA is a resonant strength, putting commitments into practice and ensuring the voice of the people.
The Chairman of the National Assembly of Viet Nam proposed priority areas, including promoting more effective regional cooperation, AIPA promoting its bridging role, encouraging and facilitating all social classes and actors to participate and actively contribute to the implementation of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045. AIPA needs to continue to take the lead in building institutions and policies to implement regional commitments and agreements, especially in science and technology development, innovation, digital transformation, etc.
“Viet Nam is ready to share experiences, enhance dialogue and cooperation at all levels to build an ASEAN Community that is inclusive, sustainable, self-reliant and truly people-centered,” emphasised Chairman of the National Assembly Tran Thanh Man.
These proposals are truly meaningful and leave a deep impression on Viet Nam as 2025 marks the 30th anniversary of Viet Nam’s accession to ASEAN and AIPA, as well as the 10th anniversary of the formation of the ASEAN Community. Viet Nam continues to affirm its pioneering role in sharing experiences from the green growth model, from the 4.0 industrial revolution to social security achievements and in many other fields.
The working trip of National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man was very successful, achieving the set goals and leaving a deep impression in all aspects. This official visit to the neighbouring country demonstrates the high political determination of both countries in implementing the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership established during the State visit to Malaysia by Party General Secretary To Lam in November 2024, thereby emphasising the increasingly effective and substantive parliamentary cooperation.
In recent days, National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man’s meetings and talks with the highest leaders of the Malaysian legislative and executive bodies and heads of parliamentary delegations of other countries were not only diplomatic rituals, but also had the meaning of establishing a “new bridge” to create momentum for extensive and substantive cooperation, contributing to building a united and self-reliant ASEAN. The impressive highlight is shown through the strategic consensus on strengthening political trust and expanding economic cooperation with Malaysia.
Potential emerging fields such as Halal industry - considered as “new bridge, new driving force”, in addition to leading fields such as renewable energy development, digital transformation and artificial intelligence, are of interest to the leaders of both sides and discussed thoroughly.
During the visit, Vice Chairman of the National Assembly Le Minh Hoan, Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha, leaders of the National Assembly’s specialised committees, ministries and branches also had many diverse activities, had meetings with heads of parliamentary delegations of other countries, partners to discuss in-depth bilateral cooperation and parliamentary cooperation.
