Malaysia stresses ASEAN unity and central role

This will ensure ASEAN plays a role it deserves in the regional and world structures, he said.

Speaking on the 49th anniversary of the founding of ASEAN, Minister Anifah said ASEAN has achieved much progress in all three of its core pillars: politics-security, economy and socio-culture.

He said the implementation of specific measures would ensure peace and stability in the region via resolving non-traditional and traditional challenges like terrorism and transnational crimes.

As part of celebrations for the ASEAN establishment, an ASEAN flag-raising ceremony was organised at the headquarters of the Malaysian Ministry of Foreign Affairs with the attendance of diplomats from ASEAN member countries as well as dialogue countries.