Speech by Mr Lee Hsien Loong, Prime Minister, at the Opening Ceremony of the 29th ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) General Assembly, 20 August 2008, 10.15 am at Shangri-La Hotel

Introduction

1. Let me first extend a very warm welcome to all of you to Singapore at this opening of the 29th AIPA General Assembly.

ASEAN Must Stay the Course

2. It has been just over a year since ASEAN celebrated our 40th Anniversary, and launched major initiatives to strengthen ourselves. We have made significant progress. The new initiatives are being actively pursued. The ASEAN Charter has already been ratified by seven member countries, and we look forward to its eventual ratification by all members. Meanwhile, our foreign ministers have decided to press ahead to work on some of the provisions in the Charter. On economic matters, last year we launched a Blueprint towards establishing an ASEAN Economic Community. Provided we adhere to the roadmap and timetable, by 2015, ASEAN will become a single market and production base. This will help ASEAN to hold its own in an increasingly competitive and globalised world. In the social arena, we have introduced ASEAN peoples to the rich and vibrant cultures and traditions in our respective countries, and increased contact and collaboration among musicians, artists and youths.

3. Yet this is not the time for ASEAN to rest on its laurels. The economic powerhouses in Asia - China and India - are pushing ahead with tremendous confidence and drive. China's economic strength is well-known. Now through hosting the Olympics, it has shown the world the talents, energy and organisational prowess of its people. India's economy too has considerable dynamism, and is moving up in terms of skills and technology, though India's more complex political scene makes its economic transformation harder.

4. Compared to these two economic powerhouses, ASEAN countries are only tiny blips on the radar screens of investors. We have to struggle to attract their attention, and get our share of investments, jobs and growth. To stay in the game, ASEAN must become a strong and integrated region. Then collectively, we will form a bigger blip on the radar screens, and become a more attractive and worthwhile economic partner, whether for MNCs or other countries.

Importance of People Links Within ASEAN

5. The ASEAN Charter is a major milestone in this integration process. However, integration cannot be achieved purely through formal treaties and agreements. Just as important are the friendships and relationships between peoples of the region. ASEAN would not work if it were a distant, abstract idea to the peoples of its member states, having no relevance to their daily lives or impact on their most pressing concerns.

6. This is a challenge which other regional groupings also face. In the European Union, after more than half a century of integration efforts, most people still do not see themselves as citizens of Europe. Many European countries have held referendums on a proposal to have an EU constitution, to formalise the massive efforts at European integration. But in several countries, including France and most recently Ireland, voters have rejected this proposal. They do not understand the complicated legislation, and they are not persuaded of the political objective of a united Europe. The experience of Europe also shows the danger of an elite-driven process of integration. No initiative can succeed if it does not rest on a foundation of strong domestic support.

7. Far more than Europe, Southeast Asia is characterised by political, economic and cultural diversity rather than natural coherence. ASEAN also started coming together much later than the EU. Hence we cannot realistically aim to achieve what the Europeans have done for a very long time to come. But all ASEAN countries now realise that regardless of our different systems, histories and national perspectives, we share a vital interest in keeping Southeast Asia stable and peaceful. Each of us also has a stake in the success of the others, because a harmonious and vibrant region creates more opportunities, and fewer problems, for all of us to grow our economies and build better lives for our citizens. And that means we need closer ASEAN integration.

8. We have gradually made progress in recent years getting our peoples to understand this. We should sustain these efforts to make ASEAN real and tangible for all, through frequent interactions, business ties, and people-to-people exchanges. Then gradually we can deepen our cooperation and sense of common purpose.

ASEAN Parliamentarians - Building Bridges Across the Region

9. More than three decades ago, a group of visionary ASEAN parliamentarians formed the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Organisation (AIPO) in 1977. They had worthy objectives: to enlist the peoples of ASEAN to promote economic, social and cultural development; and to safeguard the political and economic stability of the region. Last year, AIPO was reorganised as the AIPA to make it a more effective and integrated institution. But the vision and ideals of AIPO's founders remain relevant today.

10. The founders of AIPO understood the need to take a larger view of the region's interests beyond national and domestic considerations. They saw that while parliamentarians may belong to different political parties, ASEAN cooperation is a non-partisan issue which all can support. Parliament­arians of today must play your part to move ASEAN closer to our common goal. National parliaments play a key role in supporting policies that foster closer integration of ASEAN countries, and in particular the implementation of ASEAN agreements, which in several member countries have to be ratified by the legislature.

11. Parliamentarians must also continue to enlist public support for our ASEAN vision. As intermediaries between the political leadership and the people, you occupy a unique position. Through your close interactions with government, and through forums like AIPA, you are well-placed to understand the compelling rationale for ASEAN integration. With your ears and eyes close to the ground, you are prime candidates to explain to the man-in-the-street the need for economic and political inter-connection among ASEAN countries.

12. It is equally important for parliamentarians to serve as bridges between the peoples of different countries. The AIPA annual assembly allows parliamentarians to meet face-to-face, and get to know one another. Your personal contacts in these meetings will give you a better sense of the unique circumstances of different ASEAN countries, and the different perspectives and preoccupations of your counterparts. Hopefully when ASEAN matters come before you for a vote in your national parliaments, this will help you appreciate the issues better. And when problems arise between ASEAN countries, which is inevitable from time to time, this will give you a feel for the people on the other side of the issue, so that we can keep the difficulties in perspective and maintain the friendship between our countries.

Conclusion

13. ASEAN has enjoyed a favourable external environment these past few years. But future stability cannot be taken for granted. The US economy is still facing serious problems from the sub-prime mortgage crisis. Another unknown is the prospects for the global trading system after the failure of the latest Doha Round talks in Geneva. An extended global economic slow-down could exacerbate tensions within and even between countries, and a revival of protectionism would be disastrous for all nations. Within some ASEAN countries, urgent domestic economic and political issues loom large, and make it hard for governments to focus on building ASEAN cooperation.

14. This makes it even more necessary for parliamentarians to set the tone in ASEAN cooperation, to lead and manage domestic sentiments, to stand firm against xenophobic attitudes, and to support policies which keep our economies open and integrated. If we succeed, ASEAN's international relevance and strategic weight will then be enhanced, and it will make a big difference to the continued growth, stability and development of our region in the decades ahead. There is much at stake, and I hope you will play your part to help ASEAN achieve a win-win outcome for all our members.

15. It gives me great pleasure to now declare the 29th AIPA General Assembly open. I wish you meaningful and fruitful discussions.