SULTAN HASSANAL BOLKIAH IDOLA PEMIMPIN ASEAN YANG DISEGANI DI SELURUH DUNIA'
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Friday, November 8, 2013
HIS Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam in his titah yesterday said that more needs to be done to promote effective political cooperation in the region as ASEAN approaches its 2015 target to realise the ASEAN Community. His Majesty was attending the opening session of the Bali Democracy Forum VI at the Bali Nusa Dua Convention Centre, Indonesia, when he delivered the titah. His Majesty said ASEAN through its community-building efforts has provided a strong basis for a sound people-oriented association in which the interests and concerns of the public are of prime importance. “By working closely together with the people and on their behalf, all in ASEAN will be giving true meaning to the opening words of the preamble of the ASEAN Charter – ‘We, the peoples of the member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)’,” he said. In keeping with the theme of this year’s forum, His Majesty shared his own observations on what ASEAN is doing to promote democracy as part of its community-building efforts. His Majesty said the ASEAN Concord Two Declaration (Bali Concord II), which was adopted here in Bali 10 years ago, witnessed a commitment by the regional association to transform itself into an ASEAN Community initially by 2020, and later brought forward to 2015. In strengthening and accelerating this community vision, ASEAN leaders agreed to the ASEAN Charter in 2007, and subsequently a Roadmap for an ASEAN Community. This has laid down the basis for the region to realise an ASEAN Community and address the 21st century challenges faced by their countries and peoples. His Majesty further said that ASEAN is pursuing a number of objectives, ranging from alleviating poverty and narrowing development gaps; strengthening democratic values, especially good governance and the rule of law; promoting and protecting human rights and fundamental freedoms to respecting the independence, sovereignty, equality, territorial integrity and national identities of all ASEAN member states. “It is clear that ASEAN is constantly attending to these values so as to achieve the envisaged ‘Community’ through a sustained and balanced manner, especially in the political, economic and socio-cultural areas,” said His Majesty. His Majesty added that ASEAN’s work also takes place in a setting characterised by dialogue, consensus and cooperation; an environment which is in itself democratic and a hallmark of ASEAN’s progress over the last 40 years. “I appreciate that ASEAN member states are mindful of the regional diversity in its various dimensions, but at the same time seek to work closely together in realising a commonly held objective which is community building,” said His Majesty. This year Brunei has dedicated itself to ensuring that ASEAN’s work is directed towards the interests and welfare of the people in the region, said His Majesty. All of these are directed towards a fundamental objective – peace, stability and development. His Majesty further said that this is mutually reinforced by respect for the rule of law, discipline and hard work. His Majesty said these are also the pre-requisites of democratic principles and therefore, all governments, whatever their historical or cultural backgrounds, are inherently democratic in nature. His Majesty added that governments are very conscious of the need to adopt practices such as the rule of law, government effectiveness and anti-corruption as testimony to their good governance. These are important to enabling the people to realise their potential and earn a decent living. His Majesty went on to say that the ASEAN Charter, the Roadmap for an ASEAN Community, and more recently the ASEAN Human Rights Declaration, establishing the framework for human rights cooperation in the region, are some of the more important achievements in this direction. “In coming up with these important initiatives, various civil society groups or organisations and stakeholders were engaged and consulted. It illustrates the existing network and increasing participation of such organisations in consensus building in the region,” said His Majesty. Prior to the event and upon arrival at the venue, His Majesty the Sultan was greeted by President of the Republic of Indonesia Dr H Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. The morning’s opening session began with a report by Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr R M Marty M Natalegawa. This was followed by an opening statement by the Indonesian president. His Majesty then joined other leaders and heads of delegates for a group photo. In the afternoon, His Majesty joined other leaders and heads of delegates for a luncheon hosted by Yudhoyono. Accompanying His Majesty were Minister of Finance II at the Prime Minister’s Office Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Dato Seri Setia Hj Abdul Rahman Hj Ibrahim and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade II Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Dewa Dato Seri Setia Lim Jock Seng. The Brunei Times |
4 Muharram 1435H
8 November 2013M
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