Malaysian Ambassador: ASEAN united in all spheres of development

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Malaysian Ambassador to Vietnam Zamruni Khalid made that statement in an interview on the occasion of the ASEAN's 50th founding anniversary.

Malaysian Ambassador to Vietnam Zamruni Khalid. (Photo: Vietnam Economic Times)

How do you assess achievements ASEAN has gained over the recent 50 years in terms of politics, economics and culture?

ASEAN has gained tremendous achievements since its inception 50 years ago. The declaration of the establishment of ASEAN Community and the adoption of ASEAN 2025 vision in 2015 are some of the most important milestones in ASEAN’s recent history.

Not many people appreciate the striking diversity within ASEAN. We are not only different in terms of culture, language, religion and history, but also with regard to political and economic systems.  More importantly, we are divided by the level of economic development.  With these differences, the fact that ASEAN countries agree on anything at all is already an accomplishment, what more on ambitious undertakings such as the establishment of a community or the adoption of a common vision.

The establishment of an ASEAN Community is a huge undertaking by its members in integrating the region. It envisages an ASEAN united in all spheres of development including in political-security, economic and socio-cultural aspects. It also pivots the member-states to the centrality of ASEAN. ASEAN needs to remain united in dealing with its dialogue partners and the rest of the world.

What challenges and difficulties ASEAN has to face in the upcoming years? How the Association can overcome these challenges and difficulties?

The development gap among ASEAN members remains one of the major challenges within the association. It is always difficult to make common decisions when someone in the group is hungrier than others as that particular person might start looking into the confine of his/her immediate need and interest.

ASEAN 2025 vision and its related documents are focused to address the issue of development gap and other challenges faced by the members.  Basically, the vision charts the path for ASEAN Community building until 2025 by articulating ASEAN goals and aspirations to realize further consolidation, integration and stronger cohesiveness of ASEAN as a community.

ASEAN also needs to focus more on creating and deepening ASEAN consciousness.  Having a sense of belonging to ASEAN is vital for the future of the community.  We need ordinary ASEAN citizens to feel that ASEAN is relevant to them and can contribute to better lives for them in tandem with the focus on a people-centric ASEAN and an emphasis on inclusive development.

Are there any events or activities your nation will organize to celebrate the event?

Malaysia is organizing over 40 activities this year in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of ASEAN or what we term as ASEAN@50.  Most of the activities are focused on engaging with the public to create awareness about ASEAN and its achievements.  Among the main activities include the lighting of KL Tower in ASEAN colours, ASEAN Day celebration on 14 August 2017 (the date is moved from the actual ASEAN Day to make way for the ASEAN Ministers Meeting and Post-Ministerial Meetings in Manila) and the launching of ASEAN@50 stamps.

Besides those activities, others such as sports and cultural events, promotion of ASEAN through seminars, exhibitions and media as well as the organization of ASEAN week will also be held.

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