Asean must focus on unity, centrality in increasingly fragmented world, say Tok Mat
The Foreign Minister said that the region must continue to leverage its governing power to promote dialogue, diplomacy, and security to create space for cooperation.
'Meaningful dialogue and peaceful resolution are needed now more than ever, all over the world, as we are witnessing the breakdown of humanity as well as the moral and legal norms that once defined the global system.
'Multilateralism is under attack; unilateralism and nationalism are on the rise. In this fragmented world, Asean's unity and centrality are our capital,' he said in his opening remarks at the Plenary Session of the Asean Foreign Ministers' Meeting here on Wednesday (July 9).
Mohamad also said that the external pressures on Asean's unity will grow and the call for its members to take sides will get louder.
For this, he called on the member states to stand firm amid the uncertainties and unprecedented strength of global challenges.
'Asean must be the beacon of hope, be the voice of reason, and continue to be the platform for cooperation and progress.
'We must continue to champion the principles of justice, fairness, equality, and humanity,' he added.
Mohamad also said that despite Asean's efforts in addressing the crisis in Myanmar, there has yet to be meaningful progress happening on the ground.
He added that the delay in peace in the country prolonged the sufferings of the people and threatened the region's security.
He called on all stakeholders to commit to peace and the creation of a conducive environment, especially for the people in Myanmar.
'Asean will continue to support the path towards a Myanmar-led peaceful resolution to the crisis in the country,' he added.
Mohamad also highlighted the impending threats of climate change that have started taking a toll on the region.
'As we work towards a more inclusive, sustainable, and future-oriented Asean community, the most urgent imperative is the need for us to address the existential hazards of climate change.
"We have witnessed firsthand the effects of rising temperatures, natural disasters, and extreme weather events in our region and its peoples,' he said, adding that coordinated and urgent actions are important to make Asean adaptive and climate change-resilient.
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