Assalamualaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh, Salam Sejahtera, and a
very Good Morning.

It is both an honour and a profound privilege to welcome you to the 25th ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting on Transnational Crime (SOMTC) and its Related Meetings, convened here in the administrative heart of Malaysia — Putrajaya.

Let me begin by expressing my sincere appreciation to Datuk Awang Alik bin Jeman for his thoughtful welcoming remarks, and more importantly, for his unwavering leadership in advancing Malaysia’s active role within ASEAN’s security framework.

As the Minister of Home Affairs, I want to be very clear: Malaysia is fully committed to working with ASEAN countries to fight crime that crosses borders. This is crucial for our shared goals of peace, safety, and stability in the region. We believe this isn’t just something we should do, it’s something we must do.

For without security, there can be no prosperity. Without peace, no meaningful progress.

In Malaysia, we often say:
‘”Bulat air kerana pembentung, bulat manusia kerana muafakat”.
It means, just as water takes its shape from its container, people become strong when they are united.

This idea of ‘muafakat’ – working together in agreement and solidarity – has helped ASEAN through many challenges. This same spirit is what must continue to guide us as we face the increasing and new threats of international crime.

Excellencies, distinguished delegates,

The 25th SOMTC convenes at a critical juncture. We view this meeting as far more than a routine gathering. It is an important milestone to display our collective commitment to tackle the multifaceted threat of transnational crime.

I wish to highlight some of our progress under Malaysia’s chairmanship this year:

First, a major achievement was the first meeting of the Senior Officials Meeting on Transnational Crime (SOMTC) Working Group on People Smuggling in February. We successfully agreed to focus on sharing information, improving our laws and operations, and strengthening border controls across our member states.

Second, we have proposed creating a SOMTC Working Group on Money Laundering. This is a crucial and timely response to
the increase in complex financial crimes, money moving across borders, and the misuse of digital currencies. This group will be essential for improving our legal frameworks, coordinating our operations, and boosting intelligence-sharing throughout the region.

Third, Malaysia is playing an active role in shaping the ASEAN Plan of Action to Combat Transnational Crime for 2026 to 2035. This important document will set out our shared vision, help us prepare for future threats, and guide ASEAN’s security cooperation for the next decade.

And Fourth, we look ahead to the SOMTC Work Program 2026–2028 which must translate strategy into action. Malaysia firmly
believes this work program must be grounded in inclusivity, technical soundness, and regional ownership — principles that
Malaysia fully champions.

At the same time, the rising threat of cybercrime – everything from financial scams to ransomware attacks – clearly shows us that this isn’t just a future problem; it’s a pressing issue right now. Our digital defenses must evolve as fast as technology does. This means we must adopt new technologies, including using artificial intelligence responsibly, to significantly improve how we detect, prevent, and enforce against these crimes.

Yet technology is only one part of the solution.

While we embrace new tools, the true strength of our collective response comes from trust, sharing information, and building each other’s capabilities. As the saying goes, “Our chain is only as strong as its weakest link.” This must be a clear call for us to uplift one another, ensuring that no Member State is left behind in our shared efforts.

Excellencies, esteemed delegates,

Having been called to lead ASEAN this year, we see this moment not only as a platform for dialogue, but a pivotal opportunity to recalibrate and fortify ASEAN’s approach to transnational crime.

Indeed, leading ASEAN is a significant responsibility. I want to emphasize the spirit that guides us: we must resist the urge to turn inwards towards narrow nationalism or act alone. In today’s world, working together through international cooperation remains the bedrock of our region’s stability. This helps us not only manage security threats but also maintain economic strength and trust in our institutions.

In a global landscape that is increasingly divided by rising tensions and trade disputes, Malaysia continues to firmly uphold ASEAN’s core principle of neutrality. We believe that not choosing sides is not being passive; it is, in fact, a strategic approach that protects our collective credibility, preserves our sovereignty, and strengthens our unity.

ASEAN’s strength has always stemmed from its unity and inclusivity in diversity. We must now ensure that our commitment to consensus is matched by our willingness to act decisively. What we need is not only alignment — but courage. Courage to confront new and hybrid threats. Courage to reform outdated mechanisms. Courage to make bold policy decisions in the interest of our peoples’ safety and dignity.

Malaysia calls upon all ASEAN Member States to fully support the ambitious — yet achievable — deliverables before us. Together, by aligning national priorities under a unified ASEAN Plan of Action, strengthening operational cooperation, and reinforcing mutual legal assistance, we can translate commitments into tangible outcomes.

Malaysia fully supports “ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future,” a vision that puts inclusivity and sustainability first, creating the foundation for a peaceful and thriving region. As our Prime Minister highlighted in his opening address at the 46th ASEAN Summit, we must be both practical and principled – looking ahead with optimism and acting with strong determination. These key principles must be central to everything ASEAN aims to achieve.

Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,

As I conclude, allow me once again to convey Malaysia’s full support for this vital process. Let us move forward together, in unity and purpose, under a shared conviction that: “A Secure ASEAN is a Strong ASEAN.”

With this spirit, I now have the honour to declare the 25th ASEAN SOMTC and Its Related Meetings officially open, and my best wishes to all of you for a productive discussion ahead.

Thank you.