ASEAN people should not only benefit from ASEAN but also participate in and contribute towards ASEAN Community-building efforts for the association to progress.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said a prerequisite to establish a true ASEAN Community instilled a sense of belonging and identity within and across the people of its 10 nations.
"It is only then that we will have an ASEAN Community that is truly cohesive and reflects the aspiration of its peoples," he said in a statement in conjunction with the 49th ASEAN Day celebration today.
While wishing Happy ASEAN Day to all Malaysians and the peoples of ASEAN, Najib said much remained to be done before ASEAN could truly consider itself a single and united community in practice, as well as in name.
ASEAN community-building is a continuous and evolving process, and the momentum must be maintained to ensure political cohesion, economic integration and social and regional inclusion, he added.
"Our (ASEAN) Community must be able to respond effectively to the emerging threats and challenges presented by the rapidly changing regional and global landscape," said the prime minister.
Therefore, he said, the theme selected by Laos as ASEAN Chairman this year, 'Turning Vision into Reality for a Dynamic ASEAN Community', was timely and appropriate as it reflected the ASEAN people's collective will to continue to integrate its region and solidify its community.
Furthermore, Najib said that almost five decades ago, ASEAN's founding fathers signed the Bangkok Declaration that formally established the association, adding it was a historic day, marking a commitment by the Southeast
Asian nations to work towards a future of peace, stability and prosperity for the region.
"As we celebrate ASEAN Day this year, we do so for the first time as a single Community. For on Dec 31, 2015, under the chairmanship of Malaysia, the 10 ASEAN Member States inaugurated the ASEAN Community.
"This was a significant milestone for the region, building on the resilience and dynamism that have been the hallmarks of ASEAN through its journey of nearly half a century," he said, adding that ASEAN people should be proud of what was accomplished for almost 50 years.
Established on Aug 8, 1967, ASEAN comprises Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, Philippines, Brunei, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar and Cambodia.
Bernama
Mon Aug 08 2016
DATUK SERI NAJIB: It is only then that we will have an ASEAN Community that is truly cohesive and reflects the aspiration of its peoples. -Filepix
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.
Economic outlook: Govt plans to leverage, expand existing city transit system
The expansion aims to provide a more efficient and reliable public transportation network, reduce congestion, and improve accessibility.
Economic outlook: Budget 2025 to lay foundation for a digital-driven economy
The report said Budget 2025 will entail efforts to position Kuala Lumpur as a top 20 global startup hub by 2030 through the KL20 initiative.
Economic outlook: Corruption and lack of accountability hinder economic progress
Special Cabinet Committee on National governance is established to curb corruption, law reforms to modernise outdate regulations, MoF said.
National Wages Consultative Council will be strengthened
The govt will also incentivise hiring women returning from career breaks, offer job matching and improve care services facilities.
Economic outlook: Ensuring 11 years of compulsory education for all children
Budget 2025 will continue prioritising upskilling and retraining initiatives to equip workers with the latest skill sets necessary.
Consolidated public sector projected to record lower surplus of RM41.7 bil 2024
The MoF said the consolidated general government revenue is estimated to increase slightly to RM384.7 billion in 2024.
PM announces substantial Budget 2025 hastening Malaysia to become Asian economic powerhouse
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said it would create jobs and also tackle financial leakages to enhance public spending efficiency.