Malaysia can play role in driving home ASEAN's messages to the world - Najib

He gave the example that as chairman of the 10-member Southeast Asian bloc, Malaysia had been invited for the G20 meetin in Turkey this year.

"This means, when major powers gather, meet and deliberate at the conference, ASEAN is represented through Malaysia, stressing that Malaysia would voice the interests of ASEAN at the United Nations.

"And if there are other forums as well, I can I drive home ASEAN's messages to the world," he said in an interview with Bernama ahead of the 26th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur and Langkawi on April 26 and 27.

G20 comprises 19 developed and developing countries namely Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Turkey, United Kingdom and the United States as well as the European Union.

Apart from that, Najib said ASEAN had the clout at international platforms as seen through the organising of the East Asia Summit (EAS).

"EAS is form of regional architecture well received by major powers through the involvement of China, United States, Russia, Japan, South Korea, India as well as Australia and New Zealand apart from the 10 ASEAN countries," said Najib.

He explained that these countries accepted the centrality of ASEAN in leading the EAS.

"So ASEAN has become a mover for EAS regional architecture and they respect the role played by ASEAN," Najib said.

According to Najib, ASEAN is generally a peaceful and stable region albeit efforts for peace are still being carried out in several specific areas with Malaysia as the facilitator.