PETALING JAYA, Oct 9 — Selangor remains committed to serving as Asean's main gateway by embracing the spirit of openness and unity for the region's shared progress.
Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari said the state’s strategic position as a key entry point into the region should be fully leveraged to strengthen economic, social, and cultural ties among member states.
“Selangor truly believes it is the Gateway to Asean, but that does not mean we do not wish to see our neighbours succeed,” he said in his speech during the Gala Dinner in conjunction with the 34th Asean Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) Meeting at Sunway Resort Hotel last night.
Amirudin emphasised that the openness and regional spirit that form Asean's foundation should be seen as transcending geographical boundaries, reflecting a region united in diversity.
“Anyone who comes to Selangor should not confine their perspective merely from Sabak Bernam in the north to Sepang in the south.
“They should also see Hanoi and Surabaya, Mandalay and Cebu, Chiang Mai and Siem Reap, Kuala Belait and Savannakhet as opportunities to explore cultures and expand business,” he said.
Asean has the capacity to demonstrate to the world how societies of diverse backgrounds can live peacefully and harmoniously based on their own values, without relying on external intervention.
“We do not need outsiders to teach us how to live, especially when we have witnessed the wide gap between what they preach and what they practise, which often contradicts moral values,” Amirudin said.
He noted that Asean’s strength lies in the solidarity and mutual understanding cultivated over centuries, which must continue to be strengthened by the new generation to ensure the region remains stable, prosperous and resilient.
“This is the shared uniqueness between Selangor and Southeast Asia — a gathering of people from various faiths and cultures united by a common purpose to keep the flame of cosmopolitanism alive and thriving,” he said.
The gala dinner was held in conjunction with the 34th ASCC Meeting and the 39th Meeting of the Senior Officials Committee for the ASCC (Soca) at the Sunway Convention Centre, which began yesterday.
The meetings serve as important platforms for Asean member states to discuss regional socio-cultural issues and to strengthen the people-centred regional agenda through the sharing of values and cultural heritage.
