MFA Press Release: Visit of Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs Teo Chee Hean to Bali, Indonesia, 7 to 8 November 2012

Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs Teo Chee Hean attended the 5^th Bali Democracy Forum (BDF) today.  DPM Teo spoke on inclusive and democratic global governance during the Leaders’ General Debate co-chaired by Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard.  The text of DPM Teo's speech is below.

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

SINGAPORE

8 NOVEMBER 2012

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Speech by Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs Teo Chee Hean at the Leaders General Debate, 5th Bali Democracy Forum, 8 November 2012

His Excellency President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono

Her Excellency Prime Minister Julia Gillard

Excellencies

Distinguished Guests

Ladies and Gentlemen

1        I am delighted to be here at the 5^th Bali Democracy Forum as the Special Representative of Singapore’s Prime Minister Mr Lee Hsien Loong.

2        Let me congratulate Indonesia on the fifth anniversary of this Forum. Since it was first held in 2008, it has become an important fixture on the regional calendar. It has provided a useful platform to discuss some of the most pertinent issues of the day. 

3        It is apt that we are discussing the issue of democracy and global governance here in Bali. Indonesia’s experience has demonstrated that democracy, development, modernity and Islam can go hand-in-hand.  Indonesia has contributed significantly to democratic principles and governance.  As one of the founding members of ASEAN, Indonesia has helped to shape regional norms that have contributed to Southeast Asia’s development, peace and prosperity.  Indeed, the ASEAN way of consultation and consensus, for instance, is an adaptation of the traditional Indonesian practice of musyawarah and mufakat.

4        The focus of this year’s Forum on democratic global governance is timely given the rapidly changing global environment.  The economic centre of gravity is shifting to the Pacific. Power is also no longer concentrated in the hands of just a few states.  While the US remains the only superpower in the world, no one state has the ability to definitively set the international agenda.  Globalisation has brought the world much closer together and established new inter-dependencies.  This in turn creates new complexities as multiple interests have to be taken into account.

5        The uncertainty in the international environment adds to the complexity of global decision-making.  Four years after the onset of the financial crisis, question marks remain over the global economic outlook.  The US and European economies remain sluggish due to their fiscal and debt challenges.  China and India are also experiencing a slowdown in their economic growth.  The impact of the Arab Spring continues to reverberate throughout the Middle East.  Nuclear proliferation in the Gulf and in Northeast Asia present further challenges.  Nationalism and territorial disputes are a heady cocktail. These developments have implications for all countries, large and small.  There are also challenges like rising protectionism, cyber crime, communicable diseases, and climate change.  These can only be tackled effectively if the nations of the world work together.   In today’s inter-connected world, it is hard to find isolated problems that affect only one country.

6        Against this backdrop, the need for more effective global governance mechanisms for policy coordination and cooperation has become more pronounced.  There are common problems which present opportunities for countries to come together to find common ground and common solutions.

7        As a small state, Singapore has a fundamental interest in a global governance model that is inclusive, transparent and based on the rule of law.  Peace and stability cannot be secured in a system where power and might are the primary recourse for global problems. When international affairs are based on the law of the jungle, small states will lose their voice and their ability to act independently.  Even the strongest states can never feel entirely secure in such a system.  A stable and predictable rule-based international system is thus critical to the collective security and peaceful development of all states. 

8        Because of the disappointment with existing multilateral institutions, some countries have turned to smaller and more exclusive groups.  The G20 is perhaps the most influential of these groupings. Without the G20, the fallout from the global financial crisis could have been far worse. Yet, for all its strengths, the G20 remains quite exclusive.  The G20 does not include most countries in the world, particularly the small states that make up more than half of the UN’s membership of 193 countries.  This is not ideal given the inter-connectedness of today’s geopolitical and economic challenges. As it deals with a broader range of issues that impact all countries of the world, the G20 will also need to develop more buy-in from the wider community of nations.  It was with the intention of strengthening engagement between G20 and non-G20 countries that several like-minded countries including Singapore established the Global Governance Group (3G).  The 3G serves as a collective voice for those with an interest in the deliberations of the G20, and it has engaged the G20 regularly on issues of global concern.  This ensures that the interests of small states are taken into account, even as we support the important work of the G20.

9        The UN remains the pre-eminent organisation for maintaining international peace and security.  Despite its shortcomings, no other organisation has the same legitimacy or moral authority.  The UN with its universal membership has a unique role to play in offering solutions to today’s problems.  Efforts to strengthen the UN, including the improvement of Security Council working methods, are timely and should be supported.  What will best serve global interests is better coordination and stronger cooperation between states.  The UN should explore ways to develop synergies in global economic governance.  The UN should also play a role in ensuring that multilateral institutions work together in a complementary manner to promote the greater good.

10      Effective global governance cannot ignore the unique histories, cultures and interests of different regions.  Here, regional organisations can make important contributions to strengthening governance in their own neighbourhood.  In Southeast Asia, ASEAN has played a key role in maintaining regional security and stability since its establishment in 1967.  But globalisation has redefined security from a strictly military concept to one that encompasses financial, economic, energy, infectious diseases and food-related issues, among others. To better confront these challenges, ASEAN has adapted and evolved over time.  The ratification of the ASEAN Charter in 2008 has set ASEAN on the path to becoming a more rules-based organisation.  Adherence to these rules while remaining true to the founding principles of consultation, consensus and mutual respect will help to ensure the region’s stability and prosperity.

11      To strengthen cohesion, ASEAN Member States are working towards establishing an ASEAN Community by 2015.  A cohesive ASEAN will be better placed to engage major powers.  It will also ensure that ASEAN remains as the foundation of the emerging regional architecture, to facilitate cooperation, build mutual trust, and provide a framework for managing complexities.  One example is the ASEAN-led Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), a regional FTA comprising nearly half of the world’s population and a third of the world’s current annual GDP.  We are pleased that all six of ASEAN’s FTA Partners – Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand and South Korea – have agreed to join the launch of RCEP negotiations at the 21^st ASEAN Summit this year.   This is a strong affirmation of ASEAN’s central role in forging regional cooperation, which is key to maintaining regional peace and stability.

Your Excellencies,

12      As a small state, Singapore has a fundamental interest in a fair and stable world order, where countries, whether large or small, can settle disputes peacefully in accordance with international law. Inclusive and democratic global governance can help to smoothen the way.  With our collective commitment and concerted effort, we can create a more secure and prosperous future for our peoples.

13      Thank you.