The Nusantara Academy of Strategic Research fellow said Malaysia’s longstanding support, along with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s commitment to regional issues, should help clear the path for the former Portuguese colony.
In 2022, Asean agreed in principle to admit Timor-Leste as a member and granted it observer status at high-level meetings.
“There’s a huge possibility that Timor-Leste would be admitted as a full member, more so as Singapore no longer opposes its admission.
“This year could be their year,” he told FMT.
The Straits Times had previously reported that Singapore had reservations about accepting Timor-Leste into the Asean fold due to its small economic size, fearing it might hinder the realisation of the Asean Economic Community.
Timor-Leste, which gained independence from Indonesia in 2002, applied for full Asean membership in 2011.
Azmi said Timor-Leste has since dispelled some of the misgivings, after the nation recorded a slightly higher gross domestic product than Laos, Asean’s smallest national economy.
Timor-Leste’s economic growth for 2024 is projected to average 4.1%, while Laos recorded 4% according to the Asian Development Bank.
Admitting Timor-Leste as a full member could strengthen the bloc’s economy, said Azmi.
“Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar were poorer (compared to Timor-Leste) prior to being accepted as full Asean members. So there should not be an issue with a small nation like Timor-Leste despite its low income per-capita.”
Azmi added that the primary obstacle to Timor-Leste’s full membership is its current inability to host the full range of meetings at an Asean summit, due to insufficient infrastructure and financial resources.
He also said Timor-Leste’s admission as a full member would help prevent it from becoming entangled in geopolitical conflicts involving major powers like China, which is heavily investing in the country.
Making Timor-Leste a full Asean member would help prevent China from having a complete grip on the country, he said.
Oh Ei Sun the principal adviser for Pacific Research Centre, a think tank, said Malaysia could ensure that Timor-Leste’s application is duly processed, and its aspiration to join the bloc adequately heard by all member states.
The existing member states, he said, should consider the opportunities Timor-Leste has to offer, including its large offshore oil and gas reserve.
Oh was referring to the Greater Sunrise Offshore project — nestled between Australia and Timor-Leste — considered one of the world’s largest untapped and undeveloped gas fields.
“The project will make Timor-Leste a major energy player in the future.”