‘Look beyond our borders’

KUALA LUMPUR: The Association of Southeast Asia Nations (Asean) must look beyond its borders and take a more active role in the international community, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak.
He said there is a need for Asean to remain committed to global development, especially with the emergence of international issues that need to be addressed and solved with nations from other regions.
"We believe it is timely, therefore, for Asean's united voice to be heard more frequently in multilateral forums," he said, adding that with an increasingly durable regional architecture in place, there is no reason why Asean should not take a more active role in the international community.
"We need to look beyond our borders, and do so together," said Najib when opening the 48th Asean Foreign Ministers' Meeting at Putra World Trade Centre here today.
He also stressed that regional cooperation and dialogue are essential and more effective at dealing with issues of international magnitude.
"This is partly because there are so many issues today, such as climate change, transnational crime, the threat of violent extremism, migration and overlapping claims that cannot be resolved by individual nations alone."
Also present were his wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman, as well as dignitaries and representatives of the Asean-member states.
Citing several international reports commending the economic development of the region, Najib said the ability of Asean as a global force should not be underestimated.
"The reports also observed that 'our potential is greater than is commonly understood'. That's true."
Najib added that it is about time Asean fulfilled its potential.
Quoting the US Council on Foreign Relations, he said Asean has the capacity to firmly establish itself as the essential regional organisation in Asia.
"Shouldn't this regional organisation be a well-recognised and respected voice in all global settings, and one that is heard on every single important issue – from the environment to security, development priorities, legal disputes, and even the future of great international institutions such as the UN, the World Bank and IMF?"
"Asean should not be shy about reaching out and connecting with the world," Najib said.
He said this year will be a test for Asean as it will be establishing the Asean Community in November.
"The establishment of the Asean Community is an opportunity to transform our 10-nation group and forge a new place in the world ... to connect in a new way, with a new sense of identity born of having become a community," he said.
"For that transformation to take place, it must begin at home – in the countries of Asean. We need to raise awareness of what Asean is doing and of how the ongoing changes will benefit all."