Thaksin’s poor track record raises concerns about Malaysia’s Asean leadership - Analysts

SHAH ALAM - Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim should reconsider the appointment of Thaksin Shinawatra as an unofficial advisor to the government to strengthen Malaysia's role as Asean Chair.

The appointment of the former Thai Prime Minister had triggered widespread criticism and polemics not only among international political observers but also among Malaysians.

University of Malaya political analyst Dr Mohammad Tawfik Yaakub said that the government should have reassessed Thaksin's appointment, especially given that the Thai Anti-Corruption Commission had been investigating officials who allowed Thaksin to serve his sentence in a hospital rather than in prison.

Tawfik emphasised that Thaksin had a poor track record, having been convicted in several corruption cases, abuse of power, and misconduct during his tenure in Thailand.

"Although Thaksin was renowned for his success in developing rural economies and improving the living standards of the poor during his administration, and his economic model known as ‘Thaksinomics,’ these achievements were not a valid reason to grant him a direct role as a personal advisor to the Asean Chair," he told Sinar.

He added that a leader's image—one free from controversy and who had not evaded punishment—was crucial for selecting a responsible and credible advisor to help the Asean Chair strengthen regional unity.

Thaksin, known for his populist policies, had faced allegations of corruption and abuse of power throughout his career as Thailand's Prime Minister.

Despite being sentenced to prison, he had been receiving treatment in a hospital, raising speculation about possible preferential treatment by authorities.

International media reports also cited that Thai authorities had been investigating claims that this special treatment may have involved elements of corruption.

In light of this, Tawfik suggested that Malaysia appoint reputable local experts and economists to take on the advisory role.

"Among the names he proposed were renowned economist Professor Jomo Kwame Sundaram and Professor of Economics at the Asia-Europe Institute, University of Malaya, Datuk Dr Rajah Rasiah.

"Similarly, former national leaders with extensive experience, such as former Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) or former Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, were seen as capable of effectively serving as advisors to Malaysia as Asean Chair," he said.

Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin Head of the International Relations Studies Centre Dr Hussain Yusri Zawawi opined that the appointment of a controversial figure like Thaksin could have created a negative perception of Malaysia among the international community.

He clarified that other Asean members might have viewed Thaksin’s appointment as conflicting with the principles of non-interference in the administrative affairs of other countries and the rule of law, especially since Thaksin remained in the custody of Thai authorities.

"Thaksin’s appointment could have jeopardised Malaysia's relations with neighbouring countries, as he was regarded as a highly polarising political figure in Thailand.

"The Thai government might have seen this appointment as interference in their internal matters, potentially leading to diplomatic tensions and conflicts with Malaysia.

"Alternatively, Malaysia could have considered local or regional figures with high credibility and extensive experience in Asean issues."

"This approach would not only have avoided controversy but also highlighted Malaysia's internal capability to lead Asean," he added.