PROGRAMME: 19th (AMMTC) & Its Related Meetings Gala Dinner Melaka, Malaysia 11th September 2025 │ Thursday 

Yang Amat Berhormat Datuk Seri Utama Ab Rauf bin Yusoh

Chief Minister of Melaka,

Your Excellencies,

Distinguished AMMTC Leaders

Head of Delegation from Timor-Leste,

Secretary-General of ASEAN,

Chair of DGICM,

Esteemed Dialogue Partners,

Honoured Delegates,

Ladies and gentlemen,

Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh,

Good evening and Selamat Datang.

Allow me to begin by recording my sincere appreciation to Yang Amat Berhormat Datuk Seri Utama Ab Rauf bin Yusoh, the Chief Minister of Melaka, and the State Government for their tremendous support. This beautiful city has not only provided us with a venue, but with an experience — its living history, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality will surely leave lasting memories. On behalf of all ASEAN delegates, we thank you, Melaka, for opening your hearts and your home to us. 

At last year’s AMMTC in Vientiane, Laos, I made a promise — that we would bring this meeting to Melaka, a city that has long been a crossroads of civilisation, trade and culture. Tonight, I am humbled to see that promise fulfilled. 

More than six centuries ago, Melaka rose as a humble trading port that welcomed ships from across the world. Here, languages mingled, cultures intertwined, and trust was forged across oceans. It was in Melaka that strangers became partners, and partners became family. And the very same sea that once bore witness to rivalry and wars, now bears witness to something greater — the solidarity of ASEAN, choosing cooperation over conflict, and unity over division.

It is fitting that Melaka, once a great meeting point of the world and still a vibrant hub today, now welcomes ASEAN and our partners to deliberate on the challenges of our time, in the same spirit of openness and cooperation that has defined this city for centuries. 

And when the pages of history remember this moment, may it be said that in Melaka, we did not only meet, we stood together, as one, to build a safer, stronger, and more hopeful future for all.

My deepest gratitude also goes to the ASEAN Secretariat for their steadfast dedication, and to my own team at the Ministry of Home Affairs — especially our National Secretariat — for the countless hours of preparation behind the scenes. This gathering, and indeed this Gala Dinner, would not have been possible without your tireless efforts. 

I also wish to recognise the spouses and delegation members present. Behind every leader, there is a family and a dedicated team. Your support often goes unspoken, but it is invaluable. May you too take home warm memories from Melaka to share with your loved ones.  

Excellencies, 

Over the past few days, our discussions have been serious and substantive, as we grapple with complex challenges that cross borders and affect millions. Yet, amidst these deliberations, I hope you have also found moments to discover Melaka’s charm — perhaps walking through her historic streets or tasting her renowned culinary delights.  

Tonight, however, is not about negotiations or communiqués. Tonight, is about fellowship — about sharing a meal, strengthening bonds, and celebrating the unity that makes ASEAN truly one family. 

Let us never forget that the issues we confront — whether trafficking, drugs, or exploitation — are not abstract concepts. They are stories of real people: workers deceived into hardship, families torn apart, and lives diminished by crime. This is why the AMMTC matters. 

Our mission is about protecting lives, restoring dignity, and giving hope. And no nation can do this alone. As the Malay proverb reminds us, “berat sama dipikul, ringan sama dijinjing” — when burdens are shared, even the heaviest weight becomes lighter. This is the essence of ASEAN: solidarity, cooperation, and trust.   

Looking ahead, let us remind ourselves that ASEAN is not only about documents or declarations. It is about people, about friendship, and about knowing that when crisis strikes, we stand side by side — as neighbours, as partners, and as friends. 

Malaysia is proud to chair the AMMTC this year. For me personally, this is more than a duty — it is a privilege to walk alongside my ASEAN brothers and sisters in the shared mission of building a safer, more secure region for the generations to come. 

And so, this evening, after days of intense discussions and bilateral engagements, let us take a moment to celebrate not only the rich flavours of Melaka but also the richness of our friendships. May we leave this city not just with agreements and action plans, but with shared laughter, cherished memories, and renewed commitment to one another.  

On behalf of the Government of Malaysia, I once again extend my heartfelt thanks to:

i. The Chief Minister of Melaka and the State Government,

ii. The ASEAN Secretariat and our national secretariat team,

iii. Our delegates, observers, and dialogue partners,

iv. And the 19th AMMTC Secretariat at the Ministry of Home Affairs for their tireless efforts

To each and every one of you, thank you for your presence, your partnership, and above all, your trust. 

In Malaysia, we often close important occasions with a pantun — a simple yet meaningful poem. Allow me to share one with you tonight: 

Indah sungguh Negeri Melaka,
Tempat bersejarah penuh budaya.
ASEAN bersatu erat bersama,
Membina keamanan untuk semua.

(Beautiful is the land of Malacca,
A historic place rich in culture.
ASEAN stands united together,
Building peace and safety for all.)

With that, let us now enjoy the Gala Dinner and later the performances, and I wish all of you a safe journey home. 

Terima kasih dan selamat menjamu selera. 

Thank you.

SOURCE: Ministry of Home Affairs

--BERNAMA