ASEAN needs mechanism to resolve territorial disputes

01 Oct, 2010
Source:Xinhua

Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak said here on Friday that ASEAN leaders should develop a mechanism to resolve issues such as territorial disputes as such issues could affect the relationship among member countries.

This was especially so when leaders succumbed to domestic political pressure, said Najib at the Seventh ASEAN 100 Leadership Forum held here.

The forum is an annual meeting and dialogue of leaders from business, government and civil societies of ASEAN countries.

Najib also said the issue of territorial claims was challenging for ASEAN.

"When you say what can go wrong is that we may not have the courage to take the line, because of domestic political pressure," said Najib, adding that those were the things that could undermine relationship and solidarity of ASEAN.

Najib urged ASEAN leaders to take political compromises, or resorting to arbitration or international court process in resolving disputes, like what Malaysia and Singapore (both ASEAN members) had done a few years ago.

"There are problems, yes, Thailand and Cambodia... but I think in 20 or 30 years time, if we can show the way, I think ASEAN will be cohesive," said Najib.

Najib expressed his confidence that ASEAN would be more integrated and cohesive in future but ruled out the possibility of a European Union model with institutional governance.

Nevertheless, he foresees the further integration and cohesiveness to take place in the form like increased economic cooperation, more connectivity in transportation, and better collaboration among central banks.

Malaysia and Singapore jointly submitted a case in 2003 by way of special agreement to the International Court of Justice regarding the sovereignty over Pulau Batu Puteh, Middle Rocks and South Ledge.

In 2008, the court decided that the sovereignty over Pulau Batu Puteh belongs to Singapore, while Malaysia owns Middle Rocks.