00:00So, Excellencies and dear friends, I'm of course delighted to join you again at this
00:08gathering of minds.
00:09I'm given little choice if the invitation comes from Faiz.
00:13Now, the Asia-Pacific Roundtable has entered its 39th year and still going strong.
00:22It's one of the foremost of regional strategic security conferences.
00:27So, congratulations again to ISIS and ASEAN-ISIS.
00:34Now, our future, particularly Malaysia's future, is invariably linked to that of ASEAN.
00:42That's why I believe that ASEAN centrality, the misgivings notwithstanding, must remain
00:49the cornerstone of our foreign policy and a primary platform through which we advocate
00:57to advance not just our interests, but also regional peace, prosperity, and stability.
01:03Some challenges came unexpectedly amidst our tenure.
01:08A devastating earthquake in Myanmar, already in the throes of a civil war, the border clashes
01:15between Cambodia and Thailand, and the unilateral, unfair, and fundamentally flawed tariffs imposed
01:24by the United States.
01:26Now, on Myanmar, when ASEAN leaders met recently in civil, we deliberated if our efforts could
01:34be bolder and more creative.
01:36Future engagements must not merely be more proactive and comprehensive, but also more pragmatic.
01:43That is why ASEAN should continue to engage all sides and emphasize all sides in Myanmar.
01:54The authorities in NAPIDAO, opposition political parties, ethnic armed groups, and local NGOs.
02:02It cannot be overstated that the venture of political settlement must be Myanmar-owned and Myanmar-led
02:10process, not one imposed externally.
02:13It will be a long process, and this is where ASEAN centrality will be pivotal in fostering
02:21our collective determination and move forward.
02:23On the Thai combatant situation, I am encouraged that my friends, Prime Minister Anutin Tabirakul and
02:33Prime Minister Hunmanet, remain committed towards a lasting peace and continue to engage vigorously.
02:41We must approach issues with clarity and conviction, head-on where possible and discreetly where necessary,
02:50always seeking to uphold a united front among ASEAN members, and to collaborate where possible
02:59with like-minded dialogue partners.
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