TODAY, on Aug 8, we commemorate the 53rd anniversary of the establishment of Asean. On this occasion, we reflect on how far our region has progressed over the years.
We celebrate a regional bloc where 10 diverse nations continue to prioritise and maintain peace and stability in the region, thus, enabling Asean member states to focus on economic development and achieve economic prosperity to the benefit of the Asean citizens.
We rejoiced in the establishment of the Asean Community in 2015, at the 27th Asean Summit in Kuala Lumpur. Since its inception, Asean has sought to play a role in bringing about peace, stability and prosperity in the region.
The establishment of the Asean Community has further strengthened Asean's resolve to promote a rules-based, forward-looking, people-oriented and people-centred Asean.
Asean will continue to emphasise and uphold the following principles among its member states as well as with its external partners and the world at large: build, maintain and enhance mutual trust and confidence; exercise self-restraint and not to resort to the threat or use of force; and resolve disputes through peaceful means in accordance with international law.
Asean will also endeavour to advance its regional economic integration agenda, and promote inclusivity and sustainability across all sectors of society. The following encapsulates some of Asean's achievements throughout its 53 years of existence:
1. Asean has grown from an elitist regional grouping into a people-centred community;
2. Asean has expanded organically through the establishment of Asean-led regional fora, such as, Asean Plus One, Asean Plus Three, East Asia Summit, and Asean Regional Forum, to name a few;
3. Collectively, Asean has a combined gross domestic product of US$3.1 trillion, making it the third largest economy in Asia and sixth largest in the world;
4. Within the last two decades, Asean has reduced its population living below US$1.25 (in purchasing power parity terms) a day from one in every two persons to one in every eight;
5. Asean's strengths have attracted growing support from external partners for its community-building process; and
6. Asean's strong belief in dialogue, peace and security has encouraged many other countries to accede to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation, which is an important instrument to safeguard regional peace and security.
While Asean has much to be proud of, it is cognisant that there is plenty more to strive for and achieve. In this regard, every year, Asean Leaders gather to discuss issues and challenges as well as formulate strategies for the region, with the ultimate goal of raising the living standards of the Asean citizens.
The outbreak of Covid-19 reinforces the need for solidarity and cooperation at all levels, not just among Asean member states but also with its external partners. The theme "Cohesive and Responsive" under Vietnam's Asean Chairmanship this year has gained added significance following this outbreak.
To address the challenges posed by Covid-19, Asean must adhere to three key elements, namely, unwavering solidarity, strong political will and good governance.
Asean Leaders tackled this new and unprecedented challenge head-on during their virtual Special Asean Summit on Covid-19 in April. Asean Leaders also held a special summit with leaders of the Plus Three countries (China, Japan and the Republic of Korea) to explore collaboration in public health emergencies and measures in mitigating the impact of Covid-19, among others.
Asean has also engaged with several of its dialogue partners via video conference to find ways to respond to the pandemic and its threat to public health and the socio-economic wellbeing of the people. The 36th Asean Summit, held in June, also virtually, further deliberated on the challenges at hand.
At the summits, Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin underscored the need for Asean to act swiftly and decisively in coordinating a regional level response especially in revitalising the economies. In this regard, the prime minister proposed for Asean to formulate a Regional Economic Recovery Plan.
He emphasised that supply chain connectivity should be preserved to ensure smooth flow of food, medical and essential supplies. He also highlighted the need to explore travel bubbles among green regions, to facilitate business travels and revive tourism.
Malaysia will continue to play a proactive role in combating the Covid-19 pandemic by leading the Asean Emergency Operation Centre Network for Public Health Emergencies (Asean EOC Network) including the circulation of daily situational updates and information on prevention, detection and response measures, as well as real-time information sharing on confirmed cases and cross-border infections.
Malaysia also hosts the Asean Risk Assessment and Risk Communication Centre, which plays an instrumental role in disseminating prevention and control measures, including preparedness and capacity building programmes.
Moving forward, Asean has begun the process of developing a Comprehensive Recovery Framework, focusing not just on the financial aspect of the economy, but also on social security and stability through ensuring safety nets and assisting the most vulnerable groups.
With its spirit of unity in diversity, underpinned by Asean Centrality, I am confident that Asean will be able to continue to endure challenges in its path and emerge stronger. Happy Asean Day!
The author is Foreign Ministry secretary-general
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times