All Southeast Asian countries deserve to be in Asean, says Tok Mat

KUAH: Malaysia has called for Asean to embody true inclusivity by ensuring the full participation of all Southeast Asian countries, subtly advocating for Timor-Leste’s membership.

In his opening remarks at the Asean Foreign Ministers’ Retreat here today, foreign minister Mohamad Hasan reaffirmed this year’s chairmanship theme “inclusivity and sustainability”.

“We hope to see it reflected within Asean’s membership, that Southeast Asia is not a region of 10 nations – there are 11 of us.

“And all 11 of us deserve to participate fully, in an organisation that champions the wellbeing of this part of the world,” he said, in reference to Timor-Leste, which has an observer status in the bloc.

Mohamad, also known as Tok Mat, said Asean’s credibility depends on its ability to uphold its principles, and called on member states to turn rhetoric into action.

“We hope that all members can take note, that if we do not demonstrate inclusivity within our organisation, all of our rhetoric would ring hollow.

“We must walk the talk, and we must demonstrate trust and support for one another,” he said.

Timor-Leste’s foreign affairs and cooperation minister, Bendito dos Santos Freitas, is taking part in the retreat as an observer.

Last year, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said Asean’s future must include Timor-Leste to enhance the regional bloc’s economic potential and help it realise its long-term vision.

Timor-Leste was recognised as an Asean observer state and joined the Asean Regional Forum in 2005 before officially applying for membership on March 4, 2011.

It has also been granted observer status to take part in all Asean meetings, including plenary sessions.