THE Asean Declaration was signed on Aug 8, 1967 by the five founding fathers of Asean (Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand).
Asean was established during a tumultuous period, against the backdrop of the Cold War and post-colonisation — marred by uncertainties and conflicts throughout the region. At the height of conflict, the founding fathers agreed to establish Asean with the main purpose of ensuring peace, security, stability and prosperity in the region.
Asean has certainly come a long way since its inception.
The establishment of the Asean Community during Malaysia’s Chairmanship in 2015 marks the beginning of a new era for Asean.
It is envisaged that the Asean Community will bring about meaningful and positive change to the livelihood and wellbeing of its over 635 million peoples.
It is premised on political stability, equitable economic development and social responsibilities.
Economically, Asean has progressed by leaps and bounds. Asean has a market of US$2.6 trillion (RM10.6 trillion) with over 635 million people.
Asean is also projected to be the fourth largest economy in the world by 2050. And, that’s not all. Asean has also been recognised as a driving force for developing a cooperative regional architecture.
Asean’s political significance has, over the last five decades, brought together external partners to negotiate, dialogue and engage with Asean member states through the various Asean-led processes, including the Asean Plus Three, East Asia Summit, Asean Regional Forum, Southeast Asian Nuclear - Weapon-Free Zone and the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia.
These mechanisms are unique, robust and inclusive, bringing together different countries and key players from across the globe to discuss delicate matters of mutual and symbiotic interest.
Asean also provides a platform for countries like North Korea or the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) to sit together with other participants including major powers to discuss pertinent political and security issues of common interest and concern.
TAKING ASEAN FORWARD
In 2015, Asean adopted Asean 2025: Forging Ahead Together Document (Asean 2025). It is a roadmap that articulates Asean’s goals which charts the path for Asean Community building over the next 10 years.
It is forward looking, detailing Asean goals and aspirations as the regional grouping enters the next phase of consolidation, further integration and stronger cohesiveness as a community.
Asean 2025 will be instrumental in bettering the region politically, economically and socially. It is a long-term investment for the future that we must not forego, for the benefit of our next generation.
One of the key features of Asean 2025 is its emphasis on a “People-Centred Asean”.
A “People-centred Asean” means Asean will be an even more powerful vehicle for the realisation of the peoples’ aspirations — good governance, transparency, higher standards of living, sustainable development, empowerment of women and better opportunities for all.
A People-centred Asean is also instrumental in our community building efforts.
Given our shared aspirations for peace, security, stability and prosperity, Malaysia will continue to place Asean as the cornerstone of its foreign policy.
Moving forward, Malaysia will focus on advancing key issues within the framework of Asean that will go a long way in ensuring a peaceful and secure region.
Malaysia will work towards promoting good governance in Asean, addressing human rights concerns, encouraging greater cooperation in sustainable development and increase efforts in countering terrorism and violent extremism.
With the support and commitment of all Asean member states and dialogue partners, I have utmost faith that Asean will rise above all challenges that may come before us in this ever-evolving multi-polar world and achieve what the founding fathers had aspired for this region — peace, security, stability and prosperity for all.
Happy Asean Day.
Datuk Ahmad Rozian Abd Ghani is the director-general of the Asean-Malaysia National Secretariat, Foreign Affairs Ministry, Putrajaya.