Aipa reaffirms commitment to address critical global issues in Gaza, Myanmar, Ukraine

KUALA LUMPUR – Asean Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (Aipa) is committed to addressing critical global issues related to international law, peace and regional stability, particularly those affecting Myanmar, Ukraine and especially Gaza.

Its president Tan Sri Johari Abdul said these three regions remained top priorities in this year’s agenda.

He highlighted that Aipa discussions focused on political and security matters, guided by the Asean Charter and stressed the urgency of addressing the humanitarian crises in each region.

"We have urged Asean governments to come up with proposals on how best to resolve the ongoing crises in Ukraine and Gaza. The situation in Gaza, in particular, must not be allowed to continue unchecked.

"Humanitarian aid must not be blocked and what is happening there is in our view, a continuous act of genocide, something beyond what we can comprehend as human beings.

"These are the matters we discussed," he said during a press conference after the Asean Leaders Interface with Aipa representatives session in conjunction with the 46th Asean Summit at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, today.

He added that Asean leaders have responded positively to Aipa’s concerns.

Johari, who is also the Dewan Rakyat Speaker stressed that Gaza would not be sidelined, receiving the same level of attention as Myanmar and Ukraine.

In his speech, Johari reaffirmed the consensus among Aipa leaders to continue calling for peace and concrete action.

This included ceasefires, the provision of unhindered humanitarian assistance and an end to acts of violence and genocide.

"We have been clear and firm, this is not something to be hidden. The world knows what’s happening in Gaza and we have spoken about it seriously and directly," he added.

Meanwhile, Aipa secretary-general Siti Rozaimeriyanty Abdul Rahman echoed Johari’s sentiments, reaffirming Aipa’s alignment with the Asean Outlook on Indo-Pacific.

She emphasised Aipa’s commitment to promoting peace, upholding international law and supporting regional stability through diplomacy and dialogue.

"Our parliaments have made a united call for governments and legislatures to work together to build a peaceful, inclusive and resilient Asean, where development is fair and all voices are heard in shaping our collective future," she added.

The 46th Asean Summit is being held under Malaysia’s 2025 chairmanship theme "Inclusivity and Sustainability."

This marks the fifth time Malaysia has chaired the Asean bloc, having previously done so in 1977, 1997, 2005 and 2015.