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 8th 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; 12 Shaun Narine (2002), Explaining ASEAN, Lynne Rienner Publisher: London, page; 12, 13

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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.

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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.

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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

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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 ASEAN’s 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

Sabah. The Philippines claimed that Sabah is belonging to the Sulu Sultanate. Besides, the

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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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.

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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

led to the establishment of this policy is the issue of security in the ASEAN countries. The

6 Abdul Manap Adam (2014), Teks STPM Pengajian Am Penggal 3, Oxford Fajar Sdn. Bhd.: Shah Alam, page; 63, 647 Bilveer Singh (1992), ZOPFAN & The New Security Order in the Asia-Pacific Region Pelanduk Publications (M) Sdn. Bhd: Petaling Jaya, page; 77, 78

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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 Malaysia’s 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 agency’s 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-seanwfz-054704588.html (accessed Okt 25, 2015)10 Malaysia berjaya sebagai Pengerusi ASEAN – Najib, May 11, 2015, Berita Harian Online, http://www.bharian.com.my/node/54170 (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 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

11 8 keutamaan selaku Pengerusi ASEAN 2015, Jan 27, 2015, Utusan Online, http://www.utusan.com.my/berita/nasional/8-keutamaan-selaku-pengerusi-asean-2015-

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COOPERATION IN THE FIELD OF ECONOMY

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

1.53010 (accessed Okt 25, 2015)

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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)

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

12 ASEAN (2013), Jabatan Penerangan Malaysia, page; 3213 The ASEAN Secretariat (2014), ASEAN Economic Community, http://www.asean.org/communities/asean-economic-community (accessed November 23, 2015)

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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

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 world’s largest economies.  These

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include ASEAN’s 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

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

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-lumpur-declaration-on-a-people-oriented-people-centred-asean (accessed November 23, 2015)16 Raising citizens' awareness of ASEAN benefits a challenge, September 15, 2015, The Straits Times, http://www.straitstimes.com/business/economy/raising-citizens-awareness-of-asean-benefits-a-challenge (accessed November 23,2015)

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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

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

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-and-Agreements/RCEP/ (accessed November 23, 2015)19 Ibid

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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): 2008–2015

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

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

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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).

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

20 Mohamad Faisol Keling dan Laila Suzana Ali (2007), ASEAN dan Isu-Isu Serantau, Sintok: Penerbit Universiti Utara Malaysia, page; 1921 Ibid.

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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 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.

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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

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

22 Ibid23 Mokhtar A. Kadir, (1991), Keamanan Sejagat: Peranan Malaysia Dalam Politik Antarabangsa, Kuala Lumpur:Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka, page; 63

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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 country’s 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.

REFERENCES

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Mohamad Faisol Keling dan Laila Suzana Ali (2007), ASEAN dan Isu-Isu Serantau, Sintok: Penerbit Universiti Utara Malaysia, page; 19

Mokhtar A. Kadir, (1991), Keamanan Sejagat: Peranan Malaysia Dalam Politik Antarabangsa, Kuala Lumpur:Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka, page; 63

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