Salient. Official Newspaper of Victoria University of Wellington Students Association. Vol 40 No. 23. September 12 1977
News From Malaysia & Singapore
News From Malaysia & Singapore
2nd ASEAN Summit
Kuala Lumpur—The 2nd ASEAN Summit Conference scheduled on 6 - 8 August in K.L., was attended apart from its five ASEAN heads of government from Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Phillipines and Thailand; three premiers from Japan, Australia and New Zealand who were invited to attend on a major function of further cooperation to strengthen the economic policy especially its role in industrial complementation.
A two day pre-summit meeting was initially arranged to review the economic development and the matters likely to be discussed by the ASEAN heads of government in their post-summit meeting with Australia, Japan and New Zealand. Due to the late arrival of the Indonesia and Philippines officials, this meeting was postponed and reduced to two hours instead.
The extended invitation to the leaders from Australia, Japan and New Zealand (or the post summit talk was said to be that ASEAN has confidence in their internal consolidation and therefore able to extend their external relations.
The formation of ASEAN in 1967 was according to Tunku, "to serve as a bulwark against any effort of communist China. However, in 1975 when great victory was achieved by the Indo-Chinese people, ASEAN faced up with a unified nation, it was then realised that they should group together to achieve economic cooperation to enhance the chances of political stability. Owing to the different interests each represents within their own sphere, the five member countries do not function as one. This was not only manifested with a lot of bilateral activities among the ASEAN leaders.
Since the last ASEAN Summit Conference in February last year, little progress had been made for a joint approach to industrial development and inter-ASEAN trade. Philippines attributed the cause to "not having enough political will to implement decisions that we (ASEAN) would like to see enforced the common good of the region". This was admitted by Singapore foreign minister that political will had collapsed over the question of industrial implementation. He referred this to the agreement of five industrial projects—urea plants for Malaysia and Indonesia, diesel engines for Singapore, Soda ash for Thailand and super-phosphates for the Philippines—which remained stagnant until today.
Presuming that the ASEAN leaders had now reached a stage of consensus that this five industrial project was brought up with Japan hoping for a US $1 billion finance. Japan expressed her hesitance of "favourable consideration" prompted Singapore Premier Mr Lee to blame the ASEAN heads for not reaching a "different stage of consensus" and hence not at all surprise at Japan's move knowing how thorough they were at their ground work.
- when their feasibilities are confirmed
- each of the project are established on an
ASEAN basis.
It is not surprising that "ASEAN unity" could be disturbed again and that the implementation of the investment is yet to be seen.
On the issue of Philippines' claim on Sabah from Malaysia, President Marcos offered what he called "a sacrifice" for ASEAN unity, announcing that Philippines was ready to drop its claim to Sabah.
An agreement to set up a ministerial-level consultative committee to discuss trade and other problems. Australia agreed a $10 million joint development project under ASEAN-Australia economic co-operation.
New Zealand had given assurance to help exports from ASEAN countries to a secure and greater share in its markets.
A general consensus on many economic projects had been agreed mutually between the ASEAN heads and the three guest-leaders. However, the implementation of them are yet to be followed.
(Ref: New Straits Times 8,9,10 August Feer12.8.77
The Sarawak Tribune 2 - 3 August).
Squatters' Plight
Perak—11 squatter families comprising about 120 people of the Pasir Pinji New Village in Ipoh were made homeless when their wooden shelters were pulled down by the Authorities. Officers from the land Office and two trucks of Federal Reserve Unit personnel went to the village on the early morning of July 13 and demolished the houses. Many of the occupants did know of the incident as they were away at work when the demolitions took place.
K.L.—According to the latest report, there are now 200,000 squatters in Kuala Lumpur alone—one third of the capital's total population. Encik Ishak Shari of University Kebangsaan revealed that 20 % of the squatters are Malays, 67% Chinese and 12% Indians and others.
Ref: Sarawak Tribune 9.7.77
Nation Echo 14.7.77
Nayang 19.7.77.
Red Hospital Found
Southern Thailand—According to the Thai Military sources, a hospital with adequate facilities run by the communist guerillas was discovered at a river valley during the recent joint operation of military suppression in southern Thailand. The hospital was capable of accomodating about 200 patients. The Malaysian army believed that possibly a medical specialist was serving the Tenth Regiment of CPM under the leadership of Rashid Mydin.
Ref: Berita Petang Sarawak 13.7.77.
Doctors Migrate
Malaysia—It was reported that about 100 Malaysian doctors have migrated to countries like Australia, Canada and US within the last two years. However, doctors are urgently needed in the country especially in the rural areas. The Ministry of Health revealed that the ratio of doctors to civilians was 1; 4,500 in 1976 in West Malaysia. There were about 118 specialist posts that have not been filled in the medical services.
Ref: Sarawal Tribune 4.7.77.