Asean’s torn over China-US struggle. Will Mahathir lead the way?

Asean’s confusion only adds to its long-mocked reputation for dithering and division

But the return of a spritely 93-year-old Malaysian iconoclast to its summit in Singapore should help to liven things up

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Malaysia’s Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad has been tipped as the man to revitalise a sluggish Asean. Photo: AFP

Published: 7:01am, 10 Nov 2018Updated: 8:31am, 10 Nov 2018

YOU COULD BE forgiven for stifling a yawn over the upcoming summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) in Singapore.

After all, the twice-yearly meeting of the 10 nations has a long track record of being a placid affair.

Unlike occasionally calamitous European Union summits, Asean meetings are devoid of fireworks because of the bloc’s unique “Asean Way” policy – which compels countries to engage in a non-conflictual and polite manner even if they have fundamental differences.

So, no drama then? Enter Mahathir Mohamad, the 93-year-old Malaysian prime minister once described as the “quintessential iconoclast of world politics”.

The Singapore meeting starting Monday – the second Asean summit this year – will be Mahathir’s first since he stunned Asia by defeating his protégé Najib Razak in May elections to reoccupy the political hot seat he held from 1981 to 2003.

Diplomatic observers are hoping the firebrand nonagenarian, a self-professed regionalist, will inject some vigour into the bloc.

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