PM: Asean relationships pass test set by MH370
Lee Long HuiPublished: Apr 14, 2014 9:49 AM | Updated: Apr 14, 2014 10:23 AM
Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak admitted that the security relationships between Asean countries were put to the test by the disappearance of MAS flight MH370.
Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak admitted that the security relationships between Asean countries were put to the test by the mysterious disappearance of MAS flight MH370.
But he found their positive response greatly encouraging.
“Although the risk of conflict between Asean members seems remote, security relationships can be tested by chance events,” said Najib when delivering the opening speech in the 3rd Putrajaya Forum today.
He cited the recent kidnappings in Semporna as another example.
Thus, he called for better security cooperation between the Asean members as well as with the outside world.
He added Malaysia drew solace from the assistance from countries all over the world in the search for MH370.
“Over the course of the past month, we have seen Chinese ships entering Vietnamese waters to search for the plane; we have shared, and received, military radar data, putting the search above national security; we have seen assets from dozens of countries combined and deployed in a truly global effort.
“These challenges were solved with assistance from our friends in Asean, but they also depended on relationship forged outside of formal Asean structures.”
Malaysia, Najib said, as one of the founding members, believes that a strong and successful Asean is not only an economic necessity, but also a strategic imperative.
“As Malaysia prepares for the Chair of Asean next year and a possible inclusion into the UN Security Council, I am encouraged that security issues are one of the Asean Community pillars which all members have pledged to support and uphold from 2015 and beyond,” he said.
Multi-dimensional security threats
Najib also pointed out that cooperation beyond Asean - including those who have the capabilities to address multi-dimensional security threats - remains a critical part of the regional security.
He then called upon all the Asean members to explore ways to make a bigger contribution to the world primary security challenges, including non-proliferation, conflict resolution and peace-building, terrorism and piracy.
“I believe that by working together - to strengthen Asean and to develop deeper connections between our region and the world - we can be better prepared for the security challenges we will face in the years to come.
“In the midst of a period of sustained economic and geopolitical interest, we can ensure Asia’s rise is both peaceful and prosperous,” he added.
But he found their positive response greatly encouraging.
“Although the risk of conflict between Asean members seems remote, security relationships can be tested by chance events,” said Najib when delivering the opening speech in the 3rd Putrajaya Forum today.
He cited the recent kidnappings in Semporna as another example.
Thus, he called for better security cooperation between the Asean members as well as with the outside world.
He added Malaysia drew solace from the assistance from countries all over the world in the search for MH370.
“Over the course of the past month, we have seen Chinese ships entering Vietnamese waters to search for the plane; we have shared, and received, military radar data, putting the search above national security; we have seen assets from dozens of countries combined and deployed in a truly global effort.“These challenges were solved with assistance from our friends in Asean, but they also depended on relationship forged outside of formal Asean structures.”
Malaysia, Najib said, as one of the founding members, believes that a strong and successful Asean is not only an economic necessity, but also a strategic imperative.
“As Malaysia prepares for the Chair of Asean next year and a possible inclusion into the UN Security Council, I am encouraged that security issues are one of the Asean Community pillars which all members have pledged to support and uphold from 2015 and beyond,” he said.
Multi-dimensional security threats
Najib also pointed out that cooperation beyond Asean - including those who have the capabilities to address multi-dimensional security threats - remains a critical part of the regional security.
He then called upon all the Asean members to explore ways to make a bigger contribution to the world primary security challenges, including non-proliferation, conflict resolution and peace-building, terrorism and piracy.
“I believe that by working together - to strengthen Asean and to develop deeper connections between our region and the world - we can be better prepared for the security challenges we will face in the years to come.
“In the midst of a period of sustained economic and geopolitical interest, we can ensure Asia’s rise is both peaceful and prosperous,” he added.
View Comments0