BUTTERWORTH: The Penang Barisan Nasional (BN) Convention 2024 resolution to establish an Asean Foundation will be referred to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for further consideration, said BN president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi .

The Deputy Prime Minister highlighted the foundation’s potential role in resolving various regional issues such as natural disasters and health issues, including organ transplants.

“The foundation would manage matters related to organ transplants, including financing and encourage ASEAN member states to donate organs for the collective benefit of the region,” he said.

Ahmad Zahid also suggested that the foundation could pool its funds through contributions from ASEAN countries.

“These funds could be used for scholarships, enabling citizens of ASEAN countries to pursue higher education. However, this proposal is subject to the approval of other member states,” he told reporters after the opening of the 2024 Penang BN Convention, Sunday, December 15.

Ahmad Zahid, who also holds the portfolio of Minister of Rural and Regional Development, noted that the foundation, if realized, could also serve as a legacy for the party.

The convention, attended by around 3,000 delegates, unanimously approved the resolution to establish the Asean Foundation.

Malaysia will assume the presidency of Asan for 2025, after Laos, starting January 1 next year.

Malaysia had previously held the ASEAN presidency four times – in 1977, 1997, 2005 and 2015. – Bernama