THE ROLE AND CONTRIBUTION OF MALAYSIA IN ASEAN

INTRODUCTION (ESTABLISHMENT AND MEMBERSHIP)

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations or mostly known as ASEAN, is an alliance
promoting and sustaining the economic and political cooperation by fostering dialogue and
helping each other towards achieving the goals in terms of its economy, social and the
cultural as well among its ten members which are Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos,
Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.1
ASEAN was successfully established on 8 th August 1967 where there were five leaders in the
main hall of the Department of Foreign Affairs in Bangkok, Thailand, sitting together and
signing the a document.2 Those five leaders are Adam Malik, the Foreign Ministers of
Indonesia, Tun Abdul Razak from Malaysia, Narciso R. Ramos from the Philippines, S.
Rajaratnam from Singapore and Thanat Khoman from Thailand. ASEAN was indeed born by
virtue of the document and it was known as the ASEAN Declaration.
It was a simply-worded document containing five articles declaring the establishment of
Association for Regional Cooperation among the Countries of Southeast Asia to be vastly
known as ASEAN by all the people and also in exposing out the objectives and the goals of
that association. These objectives and goals were about the cooperation in the economic,
social, cultural, educational, and technical and any other fields and of course, the main point
of the aim is to promote the stability through the law and the justice itself as well as the
regional stability. And now, the memberships of ASEAN were almost all the countries in the
Southeast Asia except the Papua New Guinea.
1 Institute of Southeast Asian Studies (2010), Know Your Asean, ISEAS Publication:

Singapore, page; 1
2 Shaun Narine (2002), Explaining ASEAN, Lynne Rienner Publisher: London, page; 12, 13
1

GOALS OF ASEAN
ASEAN has five goals or aims to be achieved down the road. It was also called the purpose
of the establishment of ASEAN. The very first goal of ASEAN is to accelerate economic
growth, social development as well as the cultural progress in the reign through cooperation
towards creating a community of Southeast Asia in terms of its prosperity and peace.
The second purpose why ASEAN is established is to foster regional peace and stability with
highly uphold the justice and the rule of law in the relationship among those countries in the
region, in addition to adhere to the principles contained in the Charter of the United Nations.
Thirdly, the aim of the establishment is to strongly nurture the spirit of cooperation and
mutual assistance in the field of education, professional, technical and the administration.
In addition, another aim of ASEAN is to collaborate more effectively for the development of
the agriculture and industry, the increase of trade including the studies on the international
commodity trade, transportation and as well as the communication amenities in order to
develop and improve their standard of living in the future. And the last is to broaden the
research on the Southeast Asia.

THE COLLABORATION OF ASEAN

POLITIC
In order to ensure the political stability and the regional security, the ZOPFAN concept was
created by the Declaration of Kuala Lumpur on 27 th November 1971. The objective is to
maintain the peace as well as the political stability in the Southeast Asian region by avoiding
interference from any outside party such as Russia, the United States and China in the matters
of the region. Secondly, the aim is to provide channels for resolving the disputes occurring in
the Southeast Asia peacefully and not by using violence.3
Aside from that, it is also provide an opportunity to the member of the states to determine
their own destiny. With the exception of that, the Nuclear Weapon Free Zone (SEANWFZ)
was formed on 16th December 1987 where it was purportedly to ensure that the ASEAN
region is free from the threat of the nuclear weapons. What is more is that ASEAN adopted a
common position on political issues such as the invasion of Vietnam in Cambodia, where
Vietnam should probably withdraw from Cambodia and the people are given the chance to
determine their own fate.
ECONOMY
The cooperation in the economy from 1967 to 1976 can be said to be a bit slow because there
is no activity at the ASEAN level. It began after several agreements such as the Treaty of
Amity and Cooperation and Declaration of ASEAN Concord was signed in 1976 in Bali
during the Conference of the Heads of Government of ASEAN. The economic cooperation
between the member of the ASEAN countries are executed by implementing all the industrial
projects such as the ASEAN Urea Fertilizer Project in Indonesia and Malaysia, followed by
3 ASEAN, Nov 20, 2011, Pengajian Malaysia,

http://testingrema.blogspot.my/2011/11/asean.html (accessed Okt 27, 2015)

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the Fabrication of the Copper Project in the Philippines, Hepatitis B Vaccine Project in
Singapore and Abu-Soda Salt Rock Project in Thailand.
Apart from that, ASEAN industrial joint ventures were also implemented and they were also
holding the Completion Scheme of ASEAN Industrial for example in the automotive field.
Furthermore, ASEAN had created the Special Trade Regulations in 1977 to promote trade
among the member of the ASEAN countries. All the privileges granted are including the
quantity of the long-term contracts, acquisition related by the government entities, easing of
non-tariff measures and the extension of the preferential tariffs.
In other respects, the ASEAN Banking Council was also establishes to coordinate the
activities of commercial banks in the ASEAN region, and the ASEAN Finance Company to
provide the financial facilities to the countries involved in the similar joint venture projects
where both of these were cooperated in the communication and others.
SOCIAL AND CULTURAL
More than that, the ASEAN Cultural Fund was created to strengthen the relationship between
ASEAN countries through the cultural activities such as the ASEAN Film Festival. Besides,
the establishment of the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia (MABBIM) was also
established purportedly to develop the Malay language equivalently to other modern
language, promoting the spirit of brotherhood among the countries, and enhancing the role of
English as a medium to a wider communication.

CHALLENGES OF ASEAN
ECONOMY
There is several numbers of challenges or obstacles that had to be faced by ASEAN. The first
in terms of the economy is the reduction of demand on the world market as the main source
of tin and natural rubber in the ASEAN countries had caused a big impact to the growth of
the economy in the region. So they have to be really concerned with the manufacturing and
services sectors.
Moreover, the similar production and marketing products had caused a huge intense
competition among the ASEAN countries and the dependency to the leading country in terms
of its economy is still continually persisting but Thailand and Indonesia were burdened with
lots of foreign debts.
SOCIAL
On top of that, ASEAN countries faced a major challenge in maintaining the standard of its
people. Rapid urbanization and rising unemployment undermined the efforts to improve the
living standards and level especially those who live among all the ASEAN countries.4
POLITIC
Besides all the challenges that happened in the economy and social, the ASEAN had also
faced the problem in the change of leadership in some of the ASEAN countries or violent
coup attempt in the Philippines and Indonesia. So the countries took an action by imposing
some restrictions on political freedom in their respective countries.

4 Richard Stubbs (2011), New Challenges for ASEAN, UBC Press: Canada, page; 3,4,5
5

CHALLENGES FACING BY MALAYSIA WITH THE ASEAN COUNTRIES

Malaysia is among those members in ASEAN. As we are all concerned, ASEAN is existed to
increase the rapid growth of the economy, the social development and the stability of the
politic itself. However, the Malaysian ASEAN Association will have to undergo a challenge
towards the other ASEAN countries such as Indonesia, Singapore, the Philippines and
Thailand.
Among the challenges that are facing by Malaysia to the rest of the ASEANs countries was
in terms of the cultural between Malaysia and Indonesia. 5 This happened when an Indonesian
maid is facing with the language barrier where they cannot understand what were their
employers are talking about. The communication became harder as they did not understand
what has been commanded to them. And because of that, all the orders that have been given
by their employers cannot be fulfilled. This had indeed lead to a major serious problem
among the Malaysian and Indonesian citizens and it also ended with an abuse case towards
the employees.
Furthermore, Malaysia is also facing the economic challenge with Thailand. This is because
the strategic geographical position of Malaysia bordering the country where it had been a
huge challenge in the economic system from the two countries where they produced the
similar commodity items such as the rubber and palm tree. So Malaysia had to find another
alternative to bravely bear the obstacle in the economy by diversifying the food production
based on the palm tree.
Apart from that, our country encountered the problem in terms of the politic as well with the
Philippines. It is roughly all about the claiming issue from the Philippines to the reign of
5 Tan Sri Dato Muhammad Ghazali bin Shafie (2000), Malaysia, ASEAN and the New World

Order, Penerbit Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia: Selangor, page; 299

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Sabah. The Philippines claimed that Sabah is belonging to the Sulu Sultanate. Besides, the
issue of the illegal immigrant is also in the pipeline. This is because, the Philippines refugees
who ran away to Sabah as a result of the military attacks from the country towards the Moro
extremist. They have intruded the waters of Malaysia. The control system at the entrance
border was also not too rigid so it did ease them, the refugees to illegally come to Malaysia
where in the end, the amount of the illegal immigrant highly increased in Sabah.
And the last challenge facing by Malaysia is in the matter of social between Malaysia and
Singapore. The problem arose from the Malaysian workers is about the income that was
given to them is lower in the same employment sector. It is not really sufficient to cover their
cost of living which is quite high in Singapore. The citizens of Singapore are also competing
in buying and owning land in Johor and this caused Johor to lose many lands because they
cannot afford to buy the land as the price was highly double from the normal one and this will
definitely effectuate the relations between Malaysia and Singapore.
In a nutshell, Malaysia needs to find another way of the solutions to face all the challenges
with the ASEAN countries so that the goals of the association in maintaining the stability of
the politic, economy and social can be successfully realized.

COOPERATION IN THE FIELD OF POLITIC AND SECURITY SECTOR

The role and contribution of Malaysia in ASEAN is Zone Peace, Freedom and Neutrality
(ZOPFAN). ZOPFAN is a form of declarations made by ASEAN triggered in Kuala Lumpur
on 27 November 1971. ZOPFAN established is to prevent the great power like the United
States, China and Russia to interfere in the affairs of state in Southeast Asia at that time. This
policy introduced by Tun Abdul Razak. The existence ZOPFAN declaration is the result of
ASEAN political cooperation, and to create peace and stability in the region. It was aimed at
ensuring Southeast Asia was not involved in the conflict between the superpowers during the
Cold War and the region does not have any foreign military case. The presence of ZOPFAN is
naturally because of the desire of ASEAN member countries to live in peace and prosperity in
order to carry out the development process in his country. All ASEAN member countries
accepted it while Malaysia has made this concept as a key framework for its foreign policy. It
is also a regional security measure which has dominated in ASEAN.
Its objectives are as follows. The first one is in ensuring the regional security and political
stability. On the basis of neutrality, the influence of the West and the communist bloc are
inevitable, especially in the open rather than brought in to the interests of any party. With this,
there is no clash of power would occur. The second is to resolve any disputes through
negotiations. The member states cannot get help from outside the ASEAN countries without
valid and reasonable reason that could eventually threaten the peace and security of the
member states. The third is to prevent the intervention of major powers on the countries of
Southeast Asia and to refrain from engaging in disputes between major powers. The existence
of a zone declared jointly in one of the member or any obstacles that try to grow their
influence in the region. Member States have also always seen to be neutral in the conflict
issues involving the two superpowers. The fourth is a call and an agreement has led to the
withdrawal of American troops from their supply base in Subic Bay and Clark Base in the
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Philippines. The fifth objective is the official holding the ASEAN member countries behind
the agreement create ZOPFAN "every country is large or small, will be sustainable without
influence or interference in the affairs of his country and other countries to independence,
sovereignty and territorial integrity to where it is preserved. The latter are agreements have
indeed led to the insistence and the success that has brought Vietnamese troops withdrew
from Cambodia and the people of these countries have been given the opportunity for their
own destiny.6
This political cooperation ascended a step further with the convocation of the Bali Summit in
February 1976. Here, the signing of two documents, the Declaration of ASEAN Concord and
the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia on 24 February 1976 clearly showed
that ASEAN was both an economic and political organization. This cooperation reached a
step further when the ASEAN states, now numbering six with the inclusion of Brunei in
January 1984. In this regard, without differentiating rhetoric from reality, ZOPFAN can be
seen as a manifestation of ASEAN's political cooperation to bring about certain outcomes in
the region which theoretically speaking can be advantageous for ASEAN as a whole.7
To ensure that Malaysia achieved the purpose and objective for establishing the Peace,
Freedom, and Neutrality is recognized by the other superpower, Malaysia needs to change its
attitude and policy towards China. Malaysia also believes that by establishing diplomatic ties
with China, the country will reduce hostility towards Malaysia and so put an end to support
for the Communist Party of Malaya (CPM). Diplomatic relations between Malaysia and
China began when Tun Abdul Razak made an official visit to China in 1974. The issue that
6 Abdul Manap Adam (2014), Teks STPM Pengajian Am Penggal 3, Oxford Fajar Sdn. Bhd.:

Shah Alam, page; 63, 64

7 Bilveer Singh (1992), ZOPFAN & The New Security Order in the Asia-Pacific Region

Pelanduk Publications (M) Sdn. Bhd: Petaling Jaya, page; 77, 78

9

led to the establishment of this policy is the issue of security in the ASEAN countries. The
political conflict between the countries of Southeast Asia and the war led to the ASEAN
decided to set up ZOPFAN. The establishment of this policy was in 1971, it is no longer had
the intervention of the authorities of the countries of South-East Asian countries. Rights
which joined ASEAN countries are not affected because there is no powerful force to
intervene in the affairs of their country. Furthermore, the safety issues have been successfully
introduced after the issue is recognized by countries superpower. Major powers should
respect and protect the interests and welfare of the region.
Next is the Treaty on South-East Asia Nuclear Weapons-Free Zone (SEANWFZ). The
SEANWFZ establishment is closely associated with ZOPFAN. SEANWFZ received in the
Conference of Foreign Ministers of ASEAN in Singapore in 1987. The SEANWFZ treaty
was endorsed in Bangkok, Thailand in 1995 to create a peaceful and stable region. The five
countries that have nuclear weapons that are Russia, the United States, China, France and the
United Kingdom and also the two new countries, India and Pakistan agreed to the agreement
protocol that Southeast Asia is totally free of any nuclear weapons and mass destruction.
The purpose of its establishment is to free the East Asia from great power politics. This
declaration makes the ASEAN region free from nuclear arms race. Superpower cannot
exploit the weapon as an objective the support and the importance of putting their influence.
The second purpose is to avoid a nuclear arms race in the region. ASEAN member countries
have agreed not to develop nuclear power for the production of nuclear weapons. The receipt
of any ASEAN members is important to prevent any state invited the member states involved
in the production of nuclear power and nuclear weapons. The last one is to ensure the security
of regional waters. Free of nuclear weapons means lower risk of degradation effects of the
use of such weapons in the region. ASEAN decisiveness in fighting for the content of these

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must be respected by the country's nuclear power by ensuring the region's waters are
completely free from any of the nuclear weapons activities and income.8
Moreover, the safeguards verification under SEANWFZ Treaty entrusted to the IAEA
(International Atomic Energy Agency), as provided by it. No regional safeguards verification
agency for the SEANWFZ Treaty is envisaged or deemed necessary to avoid duplication with
the international safeguards, especially since all of the 10 States Party to the SEANWFZ
Treaty are also both States Party to the Treaty on the Non-proliferation of Nuclear Weapons
(NPT), for which the IAEA is also the designated the safeguards verification agency, as well
as Member States of the IAEA. Brunei Darussalam became a Member State of the IAEA in
2014.
All 10 ASEAN Member States have Comprehensive Safeguards Agreements with the IAEA
for the Application of Safeguards in Connection with the NPT, which are in force. Of the 10
ASEAN Member States, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand &
Viet Nam have signed Additional Protocols to Comprehensive Safeguards Agreements, but
with Malaysia, Myanmar and Thailand have yet to ratify. What is more, Malaysia in the
process of enacting a new comprehensive nuclear law, including relevant provisions for
implementation of the Additional Protocol, and, thus, facilitate its ratification. But Malaysia
has been implementing voluntary reporting to the IAEA in accordance with the Additional
Protocol, pending its ratification.
Malaysia Permanent Representative to UN Ramlan Ibrahim in making the call at the General
Debate of the 2015 Review Conference on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons in New
York, yesterday said Malaysia believed in the strengthening of existing nuclear weapon-free
zones, and the establishment of new nuclear weapon free zones represented a positive step
8 Abdul Manap Adam (2014), Teks STPM Pengajian Am Penggal 3, Oxford Fajar Sdn. Bhd.:

Shah Alam, page; 63, 64

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towards attaining the objective of global nuclear disarmament. Ramlan said that Malaysia
also remained concerned on the danger of nuclear proliferation in the Middle East, as nuclear
weapons free zone had yet to be established in that region. My delegation joins the call for
establishment of nuclear weapons free zones in the region without delay. In this regard,
Malaysia calls for the implementation of the 1995 Resolution on the Middle East, and urges
for the Conference on establishing a zone free of nuclear and other weapons of mass
destruction in the Middle East to be convened as soon as possible, he added. He also
reaffirmed Malaysias full confidence in the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), in
discharging its duties and responsibilities in an impartial, effective and professional manner
and the centrality of the agencys role in issues relating to nuclear safeguards and
verifications.9
Next, Malaysia's chairmanship of ASEAN in 2015 has managed to show leadership during
the ASEAN Summit organizing the 26th of last month so acclaimed leaders in attendance.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said the excellence of the organization of the
Summit on 26 and 27 April has also managed to bring the concept to produce an ASEAN
Community. "We have done our best and I understand that all ASEAN leaders feel
comfortable and satisfied with the Summit of the 26," he said at the monthly assembly of the
Prime Minister's Office (PMO) here, today. Najib, in his speech, expressed his gratitude to
the citizens of PMO in particular parts of the protocol that has been working hard to host a
conference. ASEAN Summit 26th curtain on April 27 in the House to adopt three documents
including the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on the ASEAN People-Oriented, Anchored
Representatives.10

9 Nuclear weapons state should accede to SEANWFZ Treaty; Malaysia, May 1, 2015, News

Straits Times, https://sg.news.yahoo.com/nuclear-weapons-state-accede-seanwfz054704588.html (accessed Okt 25, 2015)

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In 26th January, Kota Kinabalu had been the Chairman of ASEAN-Malaysia identified eight
priorities to be shared on the member states Foreign Ministers' Retreat 2015 began here
tomorrow. Affairs Minister, Datuk Seri Anifah Aman said the priority was the establishment
of the ASEAN Community; develop a vision of the ASEAN Community and document their
presence and develop intra-ASEAN. In fact, he said, Malaysia also identify priorities for
ASEAN in order to drive closer to the people. "Malaysia believes that ASEAN should convey
the true role of the ASEAN Community, namely to serve the people in line with the main
theme 'One Vision, One Identity, One Community "holistic," he told a press conference here
today. The minister said, the settlement during the two days will witness follow-up on
decisions taken at the ASEAN Summit 25th in Myanmar last year regarding the work
schedule for the ASEAN Community in addition to focusing on ASEAN Community
Roadmap Vision 2015.
He said, during the ASEAN Summit 25th, the leaders welcomed the progress in the
implementation of the Roadmap for the ASEAN Community (2009-2015) in addition to
reiterate its commitment to the lines of action can be accelerated this year to jointly create an
atmosphere of political, economic and social stability under the ASEAN Community. The
settlement will also provide an opportunity for ASEAN Foreign Ministers to exchange views
on regional and international issues of common interest and concern, he added. In the
meantime, Foreign Affairs, said ASEAN will continue to be the basis of foreign policy
Malaysia. He said that regional stability would contribute towards Malaysia's capabilities in
trade and increase the credibility of international relations. "To this end, ASEAN is seen more
integrated than the principle of perspective to Malaysia ahead will strengthen the capacity to

10 Malaysia berjaya sebagai Pengerusi ASEAN Najib, May 11, 2015, Berita Harian

Online, http://www.bharian.com.my/node/54170 (accessed Okt 25, 2015)

13

achieve this goal. At the same time, Malaysia's leadership capabilities in the region need to
be clear in order to become a more influential on the world stage, he added.11

COOPERATION IN THE FIELD OF ECONOMY

11 8 keutamaan selaku Pengerusi ASEAN 2015, Jan 27, 2015, Utusan Online,

http://www.utusan.com.my/berita/nasional/8-keutamaan-selaku-pengerusi-asean-20151.53010 (accessed Okt 25, 2015)

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ASEAN FREE TRADE AREA (AFTA)

AFTA was signed on January 28, 1992 in Singapore. It aims to promote investment
opportunities for ASEAN countries through free trade by eliminating tariffs and non-tariff
restrictions among ASEAN members. AFTA can improve economic efficiency, productivity
and competitiveness more widely.12 The objective of AFTA is to make the ASEAN region as a
productive and competitive so that ASEAN products have strong competitiveness in the
market, attract more Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and increasing trade between ASEAN
member countries (Intra - ASEAN Trade).
ASEAN Heads of State Conference in Singapore in January 1992 has decided to establish the
ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) within 15 years and began with the agreement Common
Effective Preferential Tariff Scheme which began operations on January 1 1993. CEPT is an
initial step to liberalize trade between ASEAN countries, which eventually traded goods by
ASEAN states will have the lowest tariff. According to the CEPT scheme will operate in two
stages. The first stage is the effort to reduce the highest tariff rates by 20 % for goods being
traded which has a tariff of more than 20 % in the next 5-8 years , and stage two further
reduce up to 5 % in the last 7 years. With the decline in the two-tier tariff is finally goods
traded within ASEAN will flow freely without tariff or tariff charged a minimum. Our
business is to ensure that ASEAN countries should be aware of their economic situation to be
far behind the developed countries and the need to compete for foreign investment. ASEAN
free market also expects to attract foreign investors to invest in ASEAN countries.

ASEAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY (AEC)

12 ASEAN (2013), Jabatan Penerangan Malaysia, page; 32

15

The ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) shall be the goal of regional economic integration
by 2015. AEC envisages the following key characteristics which the first one is a single
market and production base.13 AEC is about the establishment of a single production base
which allows businesses to tap on product and services complementation in the region,
establish a network of industries across ASEAN, and participate in the global supply chain.
ASEAN-based companies can access raw materials, production inputs, services, labour, and
capital wherever in ASEAN they choose to set-up their operations. Companies can save on
production costs, focus on their specialization, and/or maximize economies of scale without
necessarily leaving high potential market areas within the region. The second one is a highly
competitive economic region. The ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) envisions ASEAN
as a competitive economic region benefiting not only investors and businesses but also
consumers. Towards this end, ASEAN leaders commit to pursue not only regional
agreements, work plans, and programs but also relevant national laws and policies. The third
is a region of equitable economic development. ASEAN is committed to reducing
development gaps in the region. It aims to develop small and medium enterprises (SMEs)
through the ASEAN Blueprint for SME Development. It seeks to strengthen the
implementation of technical assistance and capability building programmes for public and
private sectors needing assistance in some ASEAN countries through the initiative for
ASEAN Integration (IAI). With the success of these initiatives, investors can expect strong
participation of SMEs in the building of regional production network which in turn will
provide businessmen with wider options for suppliers and partners from supporting
industries. Investors can benefit from the initiative for ASEAN Integration as beneficiary
ASEAN governments will be more capable to develop and implement economic policies that
13 The ASEAN

Secretariat (2014), ASEAN Economic Community,

http://www.asean.org/communities/asean-economic-community (accessed November 23,
2015)

16

would further boost the positive effects of the AEC. The last is a region fully integrated into
the global economy. Amid increasing globalization, ASEAN aims to become a more dynamic
and stronger segment of the global supply chain and is determined to look beyond the borders
of the ASEAN Economic Community. The region presents opportunities for investors to
access not only ASEAN markets but also some of the worlds largest economies. These
include ASEANs top trade partners such as USA, EU, China, Japan, India, Korea, Australia,
and New Zealand.14
PRIORITY OF MALAYSIA
Malaysia also have their own priority in ASEAN Economic Integration. The priority of
Malaysia is the implementation of substantially AEC 2015. The second is leading Post-2015:
New ASEAN Economic Vision and realign the objectives of ASEAN. The stakeholders will
also be involved in the initiative for ASEAN integration in order to ensure the integration
efforts more relevant to citizens People Centered ASEAN which is strengthen efforts to
build a people-oriented, people-centred and socially responsible socio-cultural community
with a view to achieving enduring solidarity and unity among the ASEAN peoples by
instilling a shared appreciation of cultural diversity as well as promoting the well-being and
welfare of the peoples.15
Next one is raising awareness of ASEAN and AEC. One of the next big challenges in
ASEAN integration involves raising awareness among citizens about the benefits of the
regional economic community. More community-based initiatives are needed to build
14 ASEAN Economic Community; How viable is investing,

http://investasean.asean.org/index.php/page/view/asean-economic
community/view/670/newsid/758/single-market-and-production-base.html (accessed
November 23, 2015)
15 Kuala Lumpur Declaration on a People-Oriented, People-Centred ASEAN, April 28,

2015, http://www.asean.org/news/asean-statement-communiques/item/kuala-lumpurdeclaration-on-a-people-oriented-people-centred-asean (accessed November 23, 2015)

17

connections and promote more understanding between countries. While concrete steps have
been taken towards deeper economic integration at the government-to-government level, it
will take a longer time for the reality on the ground to reflect this. 16 The fourth is
strengthening the private sector as active partners in leading and promoting economic
integration and the last is improving economic relations with ASEAN dialogue partners,
especially in finalizing the Regional Economic Partnership Agreement ( RCEP ). 17 The
Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) is a FTA negotiation that has been
developed among 16 countries: the 10 members of ASEAN (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia,
Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Viet Nam) and the six
countries with which ASEAN has existing Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) Australia, China,
India, Japan, Korea, and New Zealand. In relation to RCEP these six non-ASEAN countries
are known as the ASEAN Free Trade Partners (AFPs).18

16 Raising citizens' awareness of ASEAN benefits a challenge, September 15, 2015, The

Straits Times, http://www.straitstimes.com/business/economy/raising-citizens-awareness-ofasean-benefits-a-challenge (accessed November 23,2015)

17 Kementerian Perdagangan Antarabangsa dan Industri. Taklimat mengenai Malaysia dan

komuniti ekonomi ASEAN, http://www.miti.gov.my/ accessed November 23, 2015)

18 Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), August 31, 2015,

http://www.mfat.govt.nz/Trade-and-Economic-Relations/2-Trade-Relationships-andAgreements/RCEP/ (accessed November 23, 2015)

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FORWARD ASEAN ECONOMIC INTEGRATION

The table showing the way forward ASEAN Economic Integration19:
1977 1992: Preferential Trading Arrangement 25-50% MOP on 1000 tariff lines
1993: ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) Commencement of Tariff Reduction on Goods
1995: ASEAN Framework Agreement on Services (AFAS) Progressive Liberalisation
1998: ASEAN Investment Area (AIA) Investment Liberalisation

1993: Sub Regional Economic Growth Areas (IMGT, BIMP EAGA, SIJORI, AMBDC)
2004 2010: ASEAN FTAs with Dialogue Partners
(China, Japan, Korea, India, Australia & New Zealand)
Integration through ASEAN Economic Community (AEC): 20082015
a) A Single Market and Production Base;
b) A Competitive Economic Region;
c) A Region with Equitable Economic Development; and
d) A Region fully integrated into the Global Economy.
ASEAN Economic Integration Beyond AEC 2015? Expectations and Aspirations of
Stakeholders
19 Ibid
19

COOPERATION IN THE FIELD OF SOCIAL

Apart from political and economic cooperation, Malaysia was also active in the social field.
This is in line with one of the goals and objectives established, namely ASEAN to accelerate
social progress and cultural development in Southeast Asia.
EDUCATION
In addition to emphasizing the importance of political and economic cooperation with
ASEAN countries Malaysia has also stressed the importance of education in a country. This is
so because only through education can improve the quality, standards, and its society.
Effective education will produce quality human capital as well be driving the nation.
Therefore, ASEAN through the ASEAN Education Ministers Meeting platform (ASED) have
shared their expertise through each member state for education cooperation.
Indonesia-Malaysia bilateral cooperation in education began in the early 1980s up to the
present.20 Malaysia has taken advantage of the cooperation program with Indonesia to send
students to various fields such as medicine, housing, information, agriculture, and others.21
In addition, through the Ministerial Meeting of the Fifth ASEAN Education (ASED),
Southeast Asia agreed to collaborate in the field of early childhood education in the member
countries of the Council of Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO).

20 Mohamad Faisol Keling dan Laila Suzana Ali (2007), ASEAN dan Isu-Isu Serantau,

Sintok: Penerbit Universiti Utara Malaysia, page; 19

21 Ibid.
20

Malaysia noted the efforts made by the government in early childhood education is four years
starting as early as achievable by all.
Organization of Higher Education Institutions (ASAIHL) is a non-governmental organization
that began in 1959. The organization is aiming to strengthen the institutions of higher
learning, especially in the fields of education, research and the public sector, in addition to
fanning the regional identity and interdependence. Recently, Vice-Chancellor of Universiti
Putra Malaysia (UPM), Prof Datuk Dr Mohd Fauzi Ramlan was appointed as President of the
Board of Trustees, the Association of Southeast Asian Institutions of Higher Learning
(ASAIHL) effective January 2015 to December 2016. The appointment was made during the
conference the establishment of Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. He succeeds
Prof. Dr. K. A. Paturusi of Indonesia.
SOUTHEAST ASEAN WRITERS AWARD
Southeast Asian Writers Award is a literary award given to Southeast Asian poets and writers
since 1979 again. The ceremony was held in Bangkok and presided over by the royal family
of Thailand. This award is designed to recognize the lifetime achievements of the author of
the work produced, including poems, short stories, novels, plays, storybook, scientific and
religious. This prestigious award will be given to each author of the ASEAN member
countries, although not all countries in ASEAN have been represented every year.
In 2014 recently, Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka as the Permanent Secretariat of the SEA Writers
Award has been unanimously to choose Md. Ismail bin Jamjam @ Zamzam or Zam Ismail as
the winners. The press conference was held on 24 November 2014 at Studio Tun Sri Lanang,
Menara Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka, Kuala Lumpur. He is the recipient of a 36th award for
the country since the award was created in 1979. Zam Ismail attend Sunday SEA Writers
Award in the 10 to December 16, 2014 and received the award during the finale, which is at
21

the Gala Dinner and Award Ceremony on December 15, 2014 the Oriental Hotel's Royal
Ballroom, Bangkok, Thailand. The award is bestowed by His Royal Highness Princess Maha
Sirivannavari Nariratana.

FORGIVENESS PROGRAM ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS

Starting on 29th October until 14 November 2004, the plan of the Malaysian government to
implement an amnesty to the illegal immigrants as a sign of courtesy to all comers is
purportedly to enable them to return to their countries without being subject to legal action.
Besides, they can also be returned to Malaysia legally. In this program, the Indonesian
government has sent two military transport plane to bring back its citizens, nearly 80% of the
1.2 million immigrants.22
MUTUAL ASSISTANCE SCHEME
Mutual assistance scheme involves Savings Scheme Food, Oil Energy Partnership Scheme,
and the ASEAN Finance Corporation.23 The scheme is aimed at the ASEAN countries help
each other if one country has a lack of resources, especially in times of difficulty. For
example, if Thailand is facing problems in securing petroleum supply, it will help the country
to supply the source. In fact, it will also help Malaysia Thailand if Malaysia is experiencing a
shortage of rice.
However, with the help of this scheme is not provided for free. This is because they give each
other assistance in accordance with the agreements set includes the repayment period, the

22 Ibid
23 Mokhtar A.

Kadir, (1991), Keamanan Sejagat: Peranan Malaysia Dalam Politik

Antarabangsa, Kuala Lumpur:Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka, page; 63

22

means of payment, and so on. The scheme implemented is indeed beneficial to ASEAN
member countries, especially countries that have problems or lack of resources.

CONCLUSION
As a conclusion, the objectives of establishing ASEAN itself was to build the regional
cooperation among the countries of Southeast Asia and to also accelerate the economic
growth, social progress as well as the cultural development in the region. Furthermore, it is
made possible through the efforts and acted together as a spirit of equality and partnership.
These steps are in an effort to strengthen the foundation for a society that is peaceful and
thus, the prosperous countries in Southeast Asia.
Indirectly, Malaysia has played many roles and gave lots of contributions that have
successfully created an effective strategy for sketching as well as improving the economic
patterns of the fast and innovative growing in full. What is more, the effort of Malaysia in
developing various economic statuses has given the encouragement and opportunity to the
states in the region to participate in the process of upgrading of each countrys economy. In
fact, Malaysia is also a country that is very concerned about the development of the welfare
state and it is regional and caring enough to lend aid and assistance whenever needed.
Even though there are some events that have crossed the path and scratched the diplomatic
relations between Malaysia and several ASEAN countries, Malaysia has always strived its
best to find the solutions in order to continuously maintain the smoothness of the relations
between the countries so that it could establish the cooperation and the world peace.
23

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