The ASEAN Way has brought stability and prosperity to region - Najib

Najib said ASEAN at the same time does not interfere in the internal affairs of the neighbouring countries in the region.

"Many authorities are now saying that it is a far more suitable model for us, and for other developing nations, than those of other regional associations that are now finding themselves troubled by division," said Najib at the launch of 'The 50th Anniversary of ASEAN Celebration' at Suria KLCC in Kuala Lumpur today.

The Prime Minister also expressed his gratitude for the formation of the 2015 Kuala Lumpur Declaration on the Establishment of the ASEAN Community that led to a community formed on 31 December 2015.

"We affirmed our past commitments and underlined our aspiration towards creating a ruled-based, people oriented and people-centred ASEAN Community in which our peoples participate and benefit fully from ASEAN integration and community building," he added.

Malaysia, has to date produced a roadmap that will guide the nations during the decade until 2025.

"Key to what we need to do in ensuring we have a "People-Centred ASEAN" is putting our citizens at the heart of ASEAN.

"We must put our people's aspirations-for good governance, transparency, higher standards of living, sustainable development, the empowerment of women and greater opportunity for all at the centre of our community building," he said.

Therefore, he urged all the nations to strive in order to make ASEAN relevant and tangible reality to our peoples.

"We must raise awareness of our Association's history and achievements and explain what we hope to do in the future, so that one day we will think of ourselves not only as Malaysians, but also as people of ASEAN," Najib said.

He said, ASEAN is now recognised as a primary driving force in the regional political, security and economic architecture.

"Through dialogues including the ASEAN Regional Forum and the East Asia Summit, we bring together major powers to negotiate and discuss important issues of the day," Najib said.