In a changed world, Asean must step up or risk losing relevance: PM

He is glad the region's leaders recognise the need to push for closer integration, he says.

- Hariz Baharudin

KUALA LUMPUR - Asean must step up and define a clear, purposeful role for itself in a changed world, or risk losing relevance, said Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on May 27.

He noted that the need for the regional grouping to accelerate its integration has become more urgent than ever, given the increasingly uncertain and turbulent global environment.

"In many ways, this is a moment of truth for Asean. We have to either step up and carve out a clear, purposeful role for ourselves in this changed world, or Asean will lose its relevance," said PM Wong in an interview with Singapore journalists after the 46th Asean Summit.

PM Wong said he was glad that Asean leaders had held candid discussions on the new realities at the summit, and recognised the urgency of pushing for closer integration.

There was a renewed sense of urgency among leaders to move forward on this front, he added.

Significant announcements at the summit held in Kuala Lumpur included an agreement between government-linked firms from Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam to jointly explore the export of renewable energy.

Under the pact, the three countries will collaborate on developing a new electricity link.

Ahead of the summit, Asean economic ministers also concluded negotiations to upgrade the Asean Trade in Goods Agreement at a meeting of the Asean Economic Community Council.

PM Wong said the concrete steps that Asean can take include the full implementation of existing agreements, making Asean completely tariff-free and reducing non-tariff barriers to make trade more seamless.

He had earlier pointed out at the summit that his officials found 24 economic agreements, some from as far back as 2015, which had been agreed to but still not implemented.

The grouping should also improve connectivity and make itself more attractive as an investment destination, said PM Wong.