Timor-Leste Deserves Place In ASEAN Community - Anwar
PUTRAJAYA, Oct 22 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today reaffirmed Malaysia’s strong support for Timor-Leste’s accession as a full member of ASEAN, describing it as a rightful and timely step for the young nation to join the regional bloc.
Speaking to local and international media ahead of the 47th ASEAN Summit, Anwar said Timor-Leste, which had long participated in regional affairs during its time under Indonesia, had earned its place through determination and perseverance, and should now be accorded the opportunity to benefit from ASEAN’s collective progress.
“They have been there...they participated as part of Indonesia in those days, and rightfully, they should be given a place in the ASEAN fraternity. They have tried their level best, and Malaysia particularly the Foreign Ministry has been very supportive in assisting them in whatever is required,” he told reporters during the media briefing here today.
Having recently visited Timor-Leste, Anwar noted that the nation’s colonial history and economic challenges should not hinder its regional integration.
“Timor-Leste went through a very tragic history under colonialism and endless conflict. It is time they be given some reprieve and assistance where necessary,” he said.
While acknowledging that Timor-Leste remains one of the region’s poorer economies, Anwar highlighted its potential, especially in oil and gas, and emphasised the collective responsibility of ASEAN member states to support it.
“They are poor, yes, but they still have the potential. As a community, it is our duty to help prop up these countries. Unlike other regions, we are part of one region, and we must assist one another,” he said.
Anwar expressed confidence that ASEAN would continue to engage and assist Timor-Leste, noting that the bloc itself had benefited from external support in the past.
“I am very optimistic that ASEAN, as a community, will continue to assist, just as we ourselves have benefited from the help of many countries such as the West, China, and others. I don’t think we should deny that opportunity to Timor-Leste,” he added.
Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, who was also present, said the 47th ASEAN Summit will see the formal inclusion of Timor-Leste as the bloc’s 11th member, alongside more than 80 other key deliverables.
He said other key outcomes include the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA), and the signing of the enhanced ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement (ACFTA) 3.0.
Mohamad added that Malaysia, as ASEAN Chair this year, will serve as the “permanent shepherd” for the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, ensuring long-term coordination and continuity among member states.
“During our chairmanship, we have committed to this 20-year vision, and we will be the permanent shepherd of ASEAN Community Vision 2045,” he said.
He noted that discussions on pending matters will continue at the Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM) and ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Oct 24 and 25, before being submitted to the leaders’ summit from Oct 26 to 28.
-- BERNAMA
