Malaysia spells out

Malaysia spells out
vision for ASEAN

MALAYSIA: Malaysia, the new chairman of the Association of
Southeast Asian Nations, has spelled out its vision for the 10-
nation bloc including new defense initiatives and a more
proactive role on the world stage.

Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi laid out the plans in an
address late on Sunday to mark the 38th anniversary of the
founding of the group, saying it must work towards achieving the
vision of an ASEAN community by 2020.

The initiatives include persuading member nations to sign a
new non-aggression pact and initiating a regular meeting of ASEAN
defense ministers.

Malaysia also wants to see the creation of a charter for the
group, establish a development fund, and help close the economic
gap between member countries.

"The objective is for ASEAN to stay relevant and responsive to
global challenges," Abdullah said, according to the New Straits
Times.

Foreign Minister Syed Hamid Albar said Monday that ASEAN must
forge a greater sense of unity, while allowing member countries
to retain their individual identities. -- AFP