Never mind criticism from domestic opposition over Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s picking of Thaksin Shinawatra as adviser to an informal advisory group on ASEAN.

For all intents and purposes, domestic criticisms are meant for domestic consumption. In short, local politics.

That is for the Prime Minister to handle. Locally.

But concerns raised abroad over former Thai leader Thaksin’s appointment ought not be brushed off. And I don’t see Anwar doing that.

Instead, he would pay attention to criticism from Myanmar resistance groups who fear Thaksin’s involvement may align Malaysia’s approach to the Myanmar crisis with the military junta’s interests.

As rightly pointed by South China Morning Post, Thaksin’s tenure as Thailand’s prime minister was marked by accusations of his autocratic tendencies and alleged business dealings with Myanmar’s generals.

And Myanmar is one of ASEAN’s most pressing challenges which Malaysia, and Anwar in particular, having assumed the ASEAN chairmanship this year is surely aware of.

The country remains afflicted by a civil war and political turmoil following the military coup in February 2021.

South China Morning Post recently quoted Salai Ling, leader of the Chin Human Rights Organisation, as saying “this decision (of appointing Thaksin) sends a troubling message to the people of Myanmar who have hoped for a stronger ASEAN stance under Malaysia’s leadership”.

Obviously, high hopes are placed on Malaysia. Anwar, I feel, will try to do the right thing Whether the right thing is right enough we will have to wait and see.

To be fair, these are early days, but there should not be a honeymoon period.

Challenges faced by ASEAN cannot wait for the right time to be addressed, simply because there will never be a time that is right.

Anwar, in appointing Thaksin in his capacity as chairperson of ASEAN, said the Thai leader will serve with other leaders in the 10-member grouping in an “informal set-up”.

Having said that, Anwar said this. Thaksin will be his “informal” adviser.

Just how “informal” is “informal” is not clear at the moment. So too Thaksin’s line of duty and “authority”.

There are fears Thaksin’s involvement may align Malaysia’s approach to the Myanmar crisis with the military junta’s interests.

The announcement of his appointment interestingly was made at a joint press conference by Anwar and Paetongtarn Shinawatra during the Thai prime minister’s visit to Malaysia last week.

She, as we know, is the daughter of Thaksin.

However, Singapore’s CNA said in a commentary piece that Anwar’s pick of Thaksin “could be good not just for Malaysia but ASEAN as well”.

And together with other “informal” advisers whom Anwar is assembling, all of them will bring a lot to the table.

According to CAN, “you get retired folks with extensive knowledge and experience to offer insights and advice on an informal basis. You get access to ideas and varying perspectives without having to commit to taking action.”

But action is what is needed. Malaysia taking over the ASEAN chair is amidst regional expectations that it can restore the Southeast Asian bloc’s relevance during a time of global ferment. This according to analysts who spoke to Benar News.

In short, we are talking of MAGA. Not the Trump rhetoric. But a Malaysia-led “Make ASEAN Great Again”, assuming it was at some point in its long history been “great.”

Analysts whom Benar News spoke to feel that Putrajaya may well succeed, but for one sticking point – questions about its neutrality amid big power rivalries. I Agree.

I will bring in ex-Johor DAP charman Dr Boo Cheng Hau.

In an article published by FMT recently, the good doctor spoke about ASEAN as “a mature bloc of nations that has accommodated various superpowers including the US, China, Russia and India, and it has maintained itself as a neutral entity”.

Its member states, said Boo, consistency in maintaining each other’s sovereignty and their mutual interests, have forged a formidable bond and a force to be reckoned with at the international arena.

“ASEAN with its 600-million strong population is a huge enough market for an emerging economic bloc, and its member states’ self-reliance and inter-dependent trade partnership are a formidable force no superpower would be able to ignore,” said Boo.

Trump’s administration too, he said, must be pragmatic and recognise that ASEAN countries prefer closer Sino-American cooperation over a prolonged standoff between the two superpowers, if the US does not want to isolate itself further on the international stage.

Late last year, Anwar stated his belief that it is in Malaysia’s best interest to cooperate with major nations like the US, even if its president’s views “do not always align with Malaysian values”.

As I see it, although he has not taken over the ASEAN chairman then, what he said could very well be ASEAN’s stand as well.

In accepting the ASEAN chairmanship in October, Anwar said Malaysia’s theme of “Inclusivity and Sustainability” for 2025 “reflects our aspiration for truly shared progress ensuring no one is left behind”.

That must surely be good for ASEAN. Right?

(Mohsin Abdullah is a veteran journalist. He is an advocate of meritocracy, hence his strong belief the best person for the job is because the person is truly the best for the job, not because of the person’s race or religion.)