Malaysia spells out vision for ASEAN

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