00:00 ASEAN must guard against divisive actions by major powers and constantly uphold the concept of its centrality.
00:08 Prime Minister Dato' Sri Anwar Ibrahim said,
00:11 "Those outside the region have recognised ASEAN as one of the most successful regional organisations,
00:17 particularly with regard to its ability in maintaining a region that is peaceful, stable, secure and prosperous."
00:26 He said during the intervention at the plenary session of the 43rd ASEAN Summit at Jakarta Convention Centre on Tuesday
00:34 that this has attracted many to establish relations with ASEAN,
00:38 including major powers whose rivalries are being played out right at the centre of and adjacent to the region.
00:46 Anwar said the competition among them is impacting the implementation of cooperative initiatives
00:52 under ASEAN-led mechanisms, such as the East ASEAN Summit and ASEAN Regional Forum,
00:58 adding that ASEAN leaders must not allow all that has been achieved to be undermined by the unbrittle rivalry of major powers.
01:07 The meeting comes amid heightened tensions in the South China Sea after China released a new map
01:13 laying claims over large swathes disputed by some ASEAN members, triggering protests, including from Malaysia.
01:21 Anwar added that the grouping has a unique opportunity through its ASEAN+ platforms
01:27 to bring together the competing parties and remind them of the need to prioritise dialogue and cooperation,
01:34 as well as to promote healthy competition, and to ensure what they bring into their relations with ASEAN
01:40 would help maintain peace, stability and prosperity in the region.
01:46 Anwar pointed out that Malaysia had also clearly stated its position on the 2023 edition of the Standard Map of China
01:54 that issues in the South China Sea must be managed in a peaceful and rational way,
01:59 through dialogue and consultation, in accordance with the universally recognised principles of international law,
02:06 including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982.
02:11 On 30 August, Wisma Butrah said that Malaysia does not recognise China's 2023 Standard Map,
02:18 which outlines portions of Malaysian waters near Sabah and Sarawak as belonging to China.
02:25 For more UN videos visit: www.un.org/webcast
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