Najib to push further Malaysia’s view as ACD

The Asia Co-operation Dialogue (ACD), to be held here today, is a young organisation set up in 2002.

Mooted by Thailand, this is a continent-wide forum that aims to incorporate every Asian country and build an Asian community without duplicating other organisations.

At the coming Dialogue, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak will present Malaysia’s views on the need to ensure better connectivity among member states.

The ACD is to allow member states to act together to contribute to sustainable growth for Asia and beyond, explore opportunities that can help reduce poverty, expand trade and financial market within Asia and increase the bargaining power of member countries.

They have identified 20 areas of co-operation such as connectivity; science, technology and innovation; education and human resource development; food, energy and water security; and promoting inclusive and sustainable development.

From 18 countries, including Malaysia at the start of the ACD, its membership has since expanded to 34 nations.

Albeit a new platform, there are already success stories that have emerged from the ACD, including the realisation of a Malaysian initiative, the Asia e-University.

Malaysia promoted the importance of education and human resources development as the country wanted other partners to realise the need to equip people with skills and knowledge in order for other nation-building efforts to succeed.

The result is the setting up of the university in 2007 in Kuala Lumpur – a testimony of Malaysia’s role as the prime-mover of e-education among ACD countries.

Malaysian Ambassador to Thailand Datuk Nazirah Hussain said Najib was expected to raise this as efficient network and connectivity would translate to stronger social and economic growth.

“The Prime Minister’s participation at the summit reflects Malaysia’s continued commitment to strengthen the ACD as an effective regional forum,” she added.

On a personal note, the Prime Minister sees the summit as an opportunity to have more engagements with his Thai counterpart Prayuth Chan-ocha.

“The Prime Minister has always enjoyed warm relations with his Thai counterpart,” said an official.

PM’s participation reflects Malaysia’s continued commitment to strengthen the ACD as an effective regional forum.

Datuk Nazirah Hussain