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More meetings of ASEAN MPs Call for more exchange of views among MPs in ASEAN so as to improve mutual understanding among members of the grouping. | |||||||
| Over 250 MPs and Senators met at the 19th AIPO General Assembly in Kuala Lumpur from 24-28 August 1998. Representatives from nine ASEAN members (excluding Cambodia) and nine observer countries such as Australia, China and European Parliament participated in the Assembly. Each ASEAN member takes it in turn to hold the annual Assembly. This year Malaysia was the host country, the Speaker of the Dewan Rakyat Tun Mohamed Zahir being the President. It was the first Assembly which used the Information Technology in as full a manner as possible including Internet, CD Rom and smart board. Representatives from 18 countries discussed many issues like Kosovo conflict, flooding in China, economic crisis and women's issues. The Tajung Pagar customs, immigration and quarantine checkpoint that caused a standoff between Malaysia and Singapore was discussed cordially in informal meetings. As the President has said, we in AIPO have always advocated | |
that all issues should be settled by peaceful means, that is by dialogues and consultations among the members concerned. In ASEAN, MPs meet once a year during this Assembly. Other meetings have been arranged bilaterally from time to time. We need more contacts to foster better ties. The philosophy of prospering our neighbours should be accepted and practised. For example, during the economic turmoil, no country should exploit the situation at the expense of the others. We believe that more opportunities should be created for exchange of views among ASEAN MPs and Senators. These will reduce misunderstanding. From time to time, certain issues crop up, causing temper to flare up between neighbours. Official channels are there to defuse any tension. Sometimes, things may get out of hand. AIPO can function as another channel for each country to air its views on any particular issue. Let us ensure that this channel is used fully. Dr Tan Seng Giaw | |||||
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