KL wants discussion of EAEC idea at summit

KL wants discussion of EAEC idea at summit

KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad revealed yesterday his plan to seek a clearer ASEAN commitment to the much delayed East Asia Economic Caucus (EAEC) at the ASEAN summit in Bangkok later this month.

"I think it's important that we (in ASEAN) have a frank discussion on the matter at the summit," Mahathir was reported saying by Bernama news agency.

His remarks followed his recent statement that the caucus he mooted five years ago could be formed by its core founders -- members of the Association of South-East Asian Nations grouping Malaysia with Brunei, Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and newcomer Vietnam -- even without Japan.

The ASEAN summit is scheduled to be held on Dec. 14-15 in Bangkok.

Analysts said Japan's indecision to join the EAEC prompted by fear of antagonizing the United States and the unequal level of commitment of ASEAN members themselves have stalled its formation.

The EAEC was meant as a loose consultative forum for East Asian economies.

Mahathir declined to speculate on how soon EAEC would take off if the seven members of ASEAN decided to proceed without Japan.

"But we will not give up, we will wait even if it takes a long time," said Mahathir.

Mahathir, a frequent critic of the West, blamed the interference by "superpowers" for the delay in the formation of the EAEC, describing the intervention as a new form of colonialism.

"This is what people call oppression by the super powers. We want to do a thing, they prevent and oppress," Mahathir said.