Malaysia Officially Hands Over AIPA Presidency To Philippines
KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 20 (Bernama) – Malaysia has officially handed over the presidency of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) to the Philippines at the 46th AIPA General Assembly held here Saturday.
The symbolic transfer was marked by the signing and handing over of the instrument of transfer, the gavel and the AIPA flag by Malaysia's Speaker of the House of Representatives Johari Abdul to Head of Delegation of the Philippines, Raymond Democrito C. Mendoza.
The handover signifies the end of Malaysia’s one-year presidency of AIPA, during which Kuala Lumpur hosted the 46th General Assembly in conjunction with Malaysia’s chairmanship of ASEAN 2025.
Johari, in his remarks, said Malaysia is honoured to have chaired and hosted the assembly, stressing that under Malaysia’s presidency, emphasis was placed not only on resolutions but also on strengthening AIPA’s branding, communications and outreach so that its work remains visible and relevant to the peoples of ASEAN.
He outlined several milestones achieved during Malaysia’s presidency, including resolutions covering political-security, economic integration, social inclusivity, climate action, women and youth empowerment, as well as parliamentary cooperation with ASEAN and Observer Parliaments.
“Among other highlights were the 4th AIPA–ASEAN Hearing which further institutionalised dialogue between parliaments and ASEAN leaders, ensuring legislative voices shape ASEAN’s priorities, and the 5th Model AIPA hosted for the first time outside Jakarta and held in Kuala Lumpur, widening youth participation in parliamentary processes.
“We also introduced the “Now & Future” conference and exhibition, a new historic first for AIPA that connected policymakers, youth, businesses and civil society, bridging parliamentary diplomacy with real-world partnership, innovation, inclusivity and sustainability,” he said in his closing remarks at the assembly held at World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL)
He added that Malaysia also spearheaded a renewed cultural and communications identity for AIPA, including the launch of the anthem 'Together We Thrive', symbolising unity and celebrating the resilience of ASEAN’s peoples.
Johari extended his hopes by calling upon all AIPA Member Parliaments to actively disseminate, adopt, and implement the substantive elements of the resolutions.
“It is equally vital that we strengthen and fully utilise AIPA’s mechanisms to monitor and report on progress, thereby ensuring that our contributions remain credible, transparent, and impactful,” he said.
Johari also expressed confidence that the Philippines will continue to strengthen parliamentary diplomacy and cooperation among ASEAN member states under its presidency.
The event also witnessed the transfer of office from the outgoing 6th AIPA Secretary-General, Siti Rozaimeriyanty Abdul Rahman of Brunei, to the incoming 7th AIPA Secretary-General, Dr Chem Widya from Cambodia.
The assembly, which kicked off on Sept 18 and concluded today, also saw a total of 42 resolutions adopted in three key areas namely political, economic and social matters.
It was attended by representatives from all nine AIPA Member Parliaments, alongside 14 observers, including the National Parliaments of Algeria and Spain, as well as the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers Conference (ISC).
-- BERNAMA
