Kuala Lampur, Nov. 13 -- As Malaysia's chairmanship of Asean and the Related Summits comes to an official close on December 31, 2025, Kuala Lumpur will not be stepping away from regional influence. Far from it - Malaysia will continue to shape the tone and texture of Asean diplomacy, especially in supporting the Philippines, the incoming 2026 Asean Chair. Yet, as Malaysia transitions from leading the bloc to navigating its own electoral horizon - with a general election expected between late 2026 and mid-2027 - its strategic posture must remain clear: Malaysia has no incentive to be drawn into any militarised alignment such as the so-called "First Island Chain."

The regional environment is already charged. The one-year truce between Chin...