What Does Working Together Really Mean

by Mr. Kamal Yan Yahya
Institute of Diplomacy and Foreign Relation
Malaysia

Ladies and gentlemen,

Globalization is here with us today. It is a word that has been ‘prostituted’ so much these days. What does Globalization mean? Many scholars and pundits have already put forward their views on this. Although the essence of scholarship is about ideas and the clash of ideas, I believe the emerging trend towards globalization have received almost universal agreement albeit with different angles. No country is an ‘island’ today. Nationstates can no longer insulate and isolate themselves from this inevitable force. Therefore, we need to make preparations for our population to face this hydra, sometimes, uncontrollable trend.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Globalization is a process whereby developments in different parts of the world exert influences across the globe to the extent that nationstates have grown dependent on one another – and to some extent, it is inevitable that individual states increasingly lose control over their space as the process of globalizationn intensifies. This growing global interdependence has not only led to the formation of numerous international organizations both at the governmental and non-governmental levels but also to the movement of capital/trade and contacts of people to people in the field of tourism, education, art and culture. Institutions – even such as yours – Southeast Asia-Pacific Audiovisual Archive association (SEAPAVAA) – the habits of cooperation that they engender, the norms that they reinforce – have come to take an even more important place in the international system. Today’s regional and multinational institutions offer numerous possibilities to pursue both common and individual interests.

Ladies and gentlemen,

When we talk about "working together" at the international level, it would be remiss and a ‘sin’ not to talk about the United Nations (UN). The UN is a very important instrument of International Cooperation.

The cardinal purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter, interalia are to develop friendly relations among nations based on respect for the principle of equal rights and self-determination of peoples, and to take other appropriate measures to strengthen universal peace; and to achieve international cooperation in solving international problems of an economic, social, cultural, or humanitarian character, and in promoting and encouraging respect for human rights and for fundamental freedoms for all without destination as to race, sex, languages, or religion. The Charter further stipulates that the international community is to employ international machinery for the promotion of the economic and social advancement of all peoples. In terms of both of international stability and national security, the UN – despite the criticism that it draws – still has large advantages over other international institutions. It provides a permanent process of clarifying and consulting on national interests, positions, and potential crisis. It facilitates the standardization of international norms and behavior. It also acts as a centre for harmonizing the actions of nations in solving international problems of an economic, social, cultural or humanitarian characters. More importantly, it offers a basis for legitimacy for crisis management. The legitimacy and contact provided by the UN can increase a nationstates freedom of action in ways that a purely unilateral approach cannot.

Ladies and gentlemen,

At the regional level, for example, in Southeast Asia, "working together" dramatically began on August 8, 1967 in Bangkok, Thailand with the birth of the Association of South-East Asian nations (ASEAN). The aims and purposes of ASEAN, are about cooperation in the economic, social, cultural, technical, educational and other fields, and in the promotion of regional peace and stability through abiding respect for justice and the rule of law and adherence to the principles of the UN Charter. The ASEAN Declaration proclaimed ASEAN as representing "the collective will of the nations of Southeast Asia to bind themselves together in friendship and cooperation and, through joint efforts and sacrifices, secure for their peoples and for posterity, the blessings of peace, freedom and prosperity". In the words of Mr. Thanat Khoman, the then Foreign Minister of Thailand (1967), "Let it be for Southeast Asia, a potentially rich region, rich in history, in spiritual as well as material resources, and indeed for the whole ancient continent of Asia, the light of happiness and well-being that will shine over the uncounted millions of our struggling peoples".

Ladies and gentlemen,

ASEAN was born in a time of turmoil and conflict. Today, all the nine member-nations are at peace with themselves, with one another and with the world. ASEAN has established effective forums for consultation and dialogues where they and outside powers with legitimate interests in the region can discuss political and security questions and deal with them amicably and peacefully. Very soon, (at the end of this month), we will witness Cambodia joining ASEAN, and hence, fulfilling its founders’ vision of an association encompassing all ten countries of Southeast Asia.

Ladies and gentlemen,

ASEAN has taken rapid strides in liberalising trade and investment flows among them while opening their economies to the rest of the world. The ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) is nearing its full realization. At the same time, ASEAN cooperation in such areas as the environment, science and technology, culture and information, and social development has proceeded apace. ASEAN’s future, thus, calls for regional action that is carried out with unsurpassed intensity and dedication. This, in turn, demands of ASEAN and its 10 member-nations, the utmost solidarity and the closest cooperation – not only among the governments but also among the business sectors, the non-governmental organizations , the academic communities, and the people as a whole.

Ladies and gentlemen,

There is vast potential for mutually beneficial cooperation in the field of culture and education, the primary objective of which, is the sharing of experience and expertise between nation-states either at the bilateral, regional or multilateral level. My government believes that "working together" hinges on the expansion of contacts and dialogues that will bring about trust, goodwill and understanding. International cooperation should be premised on the guiding principles of equality, shared interest, mutual benefit and mutual respect. Towards this end, indefatigable efforts must be relentlessly pursued to promote the exchange of visits and information between our people in all fields including trade and economic cooperation, culture, science and technology, education, media and tourism. In this regard, the SEAPAVAA Conference and General Assembly is an epitome and a classic testimony of "what working together" really mean.

Ladies and gentlemen,

The benefits of people-to-people contacts and interactions can never be underestimated. In so far as Malaysia is concerned, we also believed that "working together" goes beyond the traditional cooperation between government-to-government and institution-to-institution. The government of Malaysia has developed another mechanism or instrumetn of international cooperation what we term as "Smart Partnership". In our concept, "Smart Partnership" involves the Malaysian private sector whereby the entrepreneurs, whether big or small and medium enterprises (SMEs) have been encouraged to engage in sound, sustainable and mutually beneficial cooperative economic ventures with their counterparts all over the world, particularly in the developing countries. My government believes that this is a win-win formula that would help create more job opportunities and promote the transfer of technology and human resource development.

Ladies and gentlemen,

At home in Malaysia, "working together" has given birth to a strategic national programme known as "The Malaysia Incorporated". It represents a new way of approaching the task of national development. It is a concept of close cooperation and mutual understanding between the public and private sectors, where the two sectors behave and operate as one huge "corporation".

The Malaysia incorporated concept is based on the philosophy that cooperation between the private and public sector is a key ingredient for successful national economic development. As partners in development and shareholders in the "corporation" both sectors must work closely with each other and develop mutual understanding to ensure the success of the "corporation". The rationale for such closer cooperation and collaboration between the public and the private sector is crystal clear. It lies in the interdependence between the two sectors. The private sector forms the commercial and economic arm of the nation, while the public sector provides the major policy framework and direction to enable the private sector to perform well. The more successful the private sector, the larger the number of private businesses, the greater the employment opportunities and the higher the government’s revenue. Ultimately, the nation, as a whole, gains.

Ladies and gentlemen,

In conclusion, we all will have to come to grips that we are now living in the era of globalization and information technology which is characterized by rapid mobility of resources, intense competition and the explosion of information. Since the world has become a global village, it is imperative that nation-states encourage constructive dialogues and cooperation, promote international peace and tolerance, and to accept social, economic and political norms which may differ from one country to another. There is a dire and urgent need for the international community not only to work together but to work closely to monitor advancements in science and technology, to facilitate the search for new markets and investment opportunities, and to promote research and development. Hence, national, regional and global progress and development in the next millenium would depend on its ability to seize economic opportunities abroad, efficient usage of local and foreign resources, supported by competency in the conduct of its international relations. Ladies and gentlemen, the "world is yours", and let us work together to make the world a better place for us and for our future generation. Thank you.