Asean must stay proactive to achieve its goals, says Zahid

KUALA LUMPUR: Asean is becoming the strategic focus of the major powers and the grouping must continue to be proactive, said Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

“It is foreseeable, as the region is currently facing a shift of power and becoming the interest of major powers which demand greater engagement and inclusivity in the regional defence and security mechanism,” the Deputy Prime Minister said when closing the Putrajaya Forum 2016 held in conjunction with the Defence Services Asia 2016 Exhibition and Conference at PWTC here.

Dr Ahmad Zahid said the theme “Regional Cooperation in Add­ressing Security Challenges” for the Putrajaya Forum 2016 was appropriately chosen as the region may witness enhancement in the areas of regional security cooperation and arrangement in both the traditional and non-traditional security sectors.

He said while Asean was adapting to the dynamics and changes of the security environment, it should continue to play a proactive role as the primary driving force and maintain its centrality in the regional architecture.

Dr Ahmad Zahid said it was a known fact that since the formation of Asean in 1967, there had not been any open conflict among its member countries.

“The Asean way of resolving problems through consensus and mutual respect have indeed gone a long way towards avoiding unnecessary conflicts and tensions.

“However, to protect its relevance, Asean must continue to look forward and perhaps explore additional avenues for greater growth amid the dynamics and complexity of the security environment,” he added.