MANILA: Decision-making by consensus continues to be the central tenet of Asean, but it does not mean the regional grouping should remain silent over developments in member states that affect the wider region, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He said criticisms on Asean particularly focus on two of its principles – decision-making by consensus and non-interference.
“Today, decision-making by consensus continues to be a central tenet of Asean. This, however, does not mean that Asean should remain silent over developments in member states that affect the wider region, or particularly egregious violations of the Asean Charter by its own members.
“In all honesty, I believe that non-interference is not a licence for indifference,” he said during a talk entitled ‘30 Years After The Asian Renaissance: Strategic Takeaways for Asean’ at the University of Philippines today.
Earlier, the prime minister was conferred an honorary doctorate by the University of the Philippines. – BERNAMA
