Page 28 - IDFR-Diplomatic Voice Vol 2 2014

NEWS establishment of national reconcilia- to play a pivotal political role; “coup as APR Organising Committee and Chief tion centres, “3‐stage road map for intermittent interludes between demo- Executive of ISIS Malaysia. IDFR was return to democracy, with elections,” cratic parliamentary rule;” parliamen- represented by Ms. Norani Ibrahim, “more than 80% of the 700‐plus TV tary democracy as default political Deputy Director General (T), Ambassa- channels return to operations” and position; and the constitution will be dor Aminahtun Hj. A. Karim, Deputy etcetera. It was predicted in the amended occasionally for example Director General (C), Ms. Rafizah Zahri session that barring unforseen major post-coup. and Ms. Lim Hui Chin from the disruptions, there will be a return to Regional and Security Studies parliamentary democracy before the The APR was officially closed by Tan Division. end of 2015; the military will continue Sri Rastam Mohd Isa, Chairman of Address by H.E. Rod Smith PSM, Australian High Commissioner to Malaysia On 17 June 2014, the Australian High enmeshed in the forums of the region, and economic interests. Situated at Commission and the Asian Strategy proudly multicultural and confident of the intersection of the Pacific and and Leadership Institute (ASLI), orga- its place in our neighbourhood.” Indian Oceans, Southeast Asia acts as nised an Address by H.E. Rod Smith, Australia is also a member of the G20, a fulcrum for the rapidly intensifying the Australian High Commissioner to with the world’s 12th largest GDP as exchange of goods, people and Malaysia held in Double Tree Hilton, well as the 5th highest GDP per capita knowledge between East, West and Kuala Lumpur. and was the only developed country to South Asia. avoid recession during the global The Address was attended by officials financial crisis. He further stated that He also highlighted that “Australia’s from Wisma Putra and other govern- “Australia is forecast to realize average future security and prosperity will ment agencies, members of the diplo- annual real GDP growth of 3% depend heavily on the region remain- matic corps, politicians, business between 2012 and 2018, the highest ing peaceful, secure, stable and pros- leaders, think tanks, representatives forecast among major advanced perous.” In short, Australia’s interests from universities and media. IDFR was economies.” are best served by a stable balance of represented by Ms. Norani Ibrahim, power in Asia that encourages Deputy Director General (T), Ambassa- H.E. Rod Smith also spoke about the economic integration, inclusive and dor Aminahtun Hj. A. Karim, Deputy economic transformations of Asia. He outward looking. There is therefore a Director General (C) and Ms. Lim Hui believes that Australia has been a need to build a comprehensive Chin from the Regional and Security beneficiary of this phenomenon and relationship with Asia. This explains Studies Division. that its prosperity over the last decade Australia’s continued support for and benefited greatly from China’s rise. engagement with the ASEAN Regional In his Address, H.E. Rod Smith spoke Despite that, Japan remains one of Forum, the ASEAN Defence Ministers on Australian Foreign Policy and a Australia’s largest trading partners. Plus process and the East Asia Region in Transition and offered a brief Summit. overview of Australian economic He noted the importance of ASEAN development since 1960s. He stated and Southeast Asia to Australia. He With regards to Australian foreign that through a broad and aggressive said that ASEAN is Australia’s second policy, he said that Australia has a very reform agenda in the 1980s and largest trading partner after China. It is clear focus on the Asian region but not 1990s, Australia has transformed from also a vital institution that plays a to the exclusion of the world beyond. an insular, highly regulated economy cohesive and positive role in regional Australia has long-established links to with inefficient public sector monopo- economic and social integration. other parts of the world and a strong lies, low productivity and growth as Australia’s links with ASEAN are varied commitment to global institutions well as poor comparative economic and deep. This year Australia comme- such as UN and WTO, and internatio- performance into an open, dynamic, morates the 40th anniversary of its nal law. This year, Australia holds a flexible and high-productivity econo- formal dialogue partnership with seat at the UN Security Council and is my. ASEAN and is proud to be ASEAN’s pleased to be supporting Malaysia’s first dialogue partner and to support candidacy for membership of the According to him, “Australia today is ASEAN’s role at the centre of regional Security Council for the next term. globally engaged, economically open institutions. Southeast Asia is also and competitive, focused on Asia, fundamental to Australia’s strategic 28 bulletin@idfr.gov.my