JAKARTA: Asean must guard against divisive actions by major powers and constantly uphold the concept of its centrality, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister said those outside the region have recognised Asean as one of the most successful regional organisations, particularly with regard to its ability in maintaining a region that is peaceful, stable, secure and prosperous.
He said this has attracted many to establish relations with Asean, including major powers, whose rivalries are being played out right at the centre of and adjacent to the region.
Anwar said the competition among them is impacting the implementation of cooperative initiatives under Asean-led mechanisms such as the East Asia Summit and Asean Regional Forum.
"We must not allow all that has been achieved to be undermined by the unbridled rivalry of major powers," he said during the intervention at the plenary session of the 43rd Asean Summit at Jakarta Convention Centre (JCC) on Tuesday (Sept 5).
The meeting comes amid heightened tensions in the South China Sea after China released a new map laying claims over large swathes disputed by some Asean members, triggering protests including from Malaysia.
Anwar added that the grouping has a unique opportunity through its Asean-Plus platforms to bring together the competing parties and remind them of the need to prioritise dialogue and cooperation; as well as to promote healthy competition and to ensure what they bring into their relations with Asean would help maintain peace, stability and prosperity in the region.
Anwar pointed out that Malaysia had also clearly stated its position on the "2023 edition of the standard map of China".
"Issues in the South China Sea must be managed in a peaceful and rational way through dialogue and consultation in accordance with the universally recognised principles of international law, including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982 (Unclos)," added the Prime Minister.
On Aug 30, Wisma Putra said that Malaysia does not recognise China’s 2023 standard map, which outlines portions of Malaysian waters near Sabah and Sarawak as belonging to China.
“The map has no binding effect on Malaysia,” Wisma Putra said in a statement.
