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39th GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE ASEAN INTER-PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY

3-7 SEPTEMBER 2018, SINGAPORE

Towards a Resilient and Innovative Community

REPORT OF THE 39TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

OF THE ASEAN INTER-PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY

(AIPA)

1




TABLE OF CONTENTS

Report of the 39th General Assembly of

the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA)

Pages 1-9

Annexes Documents Page Nos

Annex A List of Delegates A1-12

Annex B Report of Executive Committee Meeting B1-3

Annex C Written Messages from Heads of State/ Government C1-10

Annex D Welcome Speech by Mr Tan Chuan-Jin, President of AIPA and Speaker of the Parliament of Singapore

D1-2

Annex E Opening Address by Mr Teo Chee Hean, Singapore's Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security

E1-3

Annex F Programme of Activities F1-7

Annex G Agenda Items for 39th General Assembly of AIPA and for Dialogue with Observer Countries

G1-2

Annex H Composition of Committees H1-30

Annex I Statements by Leaders of Delegations of AIPA Member Parliaments

I1-27

(i) Brunei Darussalam

(ii) Cambodia

(iii) Indonesia

(iv) Lao PDR

(v) Malaysia

(vi) Myanmar

(vii) Philippines

(viii) Singapore

(ix) Thailand

(x) Vietnam

Annex J Statement by Secretary-General of ASEAN J1-3

2

Annex K Statements by Leaders of Delegations of Observer Parliaments K1-30

(i) Australia

(ii) Belarus

(iii) Canada

(iv) People’s Republic of China

(v) European Parliament

(vi) India

(vii) Japan

(viii) Republic of Korea

(ix) Russia

(x) Timor Leste

Annex L Report of the Meeting of Women Parliamentarians of AIPA (WAIPA)

L1-7

Resolution:

(i) Promoting Women’s Entrepreneurship for Development

(ii) Empowering Women in ASEAN to Harness the Potential of Industrial Revolution 4.0

Annex M Report of Committee on Political Matters M1-3

Annex N Report of Committee on Economic Matters N1-13

Resolutions:

(i) Strengthening Cooperation to Promote Cross-Border Data Flows in ASEAN

(ii) Promoting Innovation and e-Commerce in ASEAN

(iii) Deepening Regional Economic Integration in ASEAN

(iv) Good Regulatory Practices in the ASEAN Economic Integration

(v) Regional Efforts to Address the Impact of Global Trade Tension Between Economic Powerhouses

Annex O Report of Committee on Social Matters O1-14

Report/Resolutions:

(i) Report of the 1st AIPACODD Meeting and the Resolutions on Securing a Drug-Free ASEAN Community for Future Generations and The Terms of Reference for AIPACODD

(ii) Promoting Digital Literacy and Combating Fake News

(iii) Support for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs)

(iv) Environmental Sustainability and Sustainable

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Urban Ecosystems

Annex P Report of Committee on Organisational Matters P1-25

Reports/Resolutions:

(i) AIPA Secretariat's Annual Report FY2017-2018

(ii) Continuation of the Joint Programme between AIPA and the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany through Deusche Gesellschaft Fuer Internationale Zussamenarbeit (GIZ)

(iii) Expanding the Scope of Cooperation between Freeland Foundation and the AIPA Secretariat

(iv) Financial Reports of the AIPA Secretariat

(v) (1) Estimates Budget for the AIPA Secretariat for the Period of 1 August 2018 to 31 July 2019; (2) Supplementary Estimates from 1 August 2019 to 30 September 2019; and (3) Special Fund

(vi) Submission of the Draft Resolution of AIPA Member Parliaments with its Explanatory Note

(vii) A) AIPA Distinguished Service Award - Indonesia

B) AIPA Distinguished Service Award - Thailand

(viii) Development of New Organizational Design and Human Capacity Development Plan for AIPA Secretariat

(ix) Legal Status of the AIPA House

(x) Amendment to the Statutes of AIPA

(xi) Appreciating the Services of Mr Tan Chuan-Jin as President of AIPA

(xii) Date and Venue of the 40th General Assembly

(xiii) Development of Web-Based and Online Database Resolutions Adopted by AIPA

(xiv) Appreciating Years of Service of Ms Ria Rumata Aritonang to AIPA and AIPA Secretariat

Annex Q Report of Committee on Joint Communique Q1-25

Annex R Reports of Dialogue sessions with Observer Parliaments R1-26

(i) Australia

(ii) Belarus

(iii) Canada

(iv) People’s Republic of China

(v) European Parliament

(vi) India

(vii) Japan

4

(viii) Republic of Korea

(ix) Russia

(x) Timor Leste

Annex S Joint Communique S1-25

Annex T Closing Speech by Mr Tan Chuan-Jin, President of AIPA and Speaker of the Parliament of Singapore

T1-2

Annex U Instrument of Transfer U1

Annex V Acceptance Speech by incoming President of AIPA V1-2

1




REPORT OF

THE THIRTY NINTH (39TH) GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE ASEAN INTER-PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY (AIPA)

I INTRODUCTION

The Thirty Ninth (39th) General Assembly of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly

(AIPA) was held from 3 – 7 September 2018 in Singapore.

II DELEGATIONS

2 Delegates from the AIPA Member Parliaments, Observer Parliaments, the AIPA and

ASEAN Secretariats, and other Guests of the Host participated in the 39th General Assembly.

3 For the AIPA Member delegations, Brunei Darussalam was led by Pehin Dato Abdul

Rahman bin Mohamed Taib, Speaker of Legislative Council; Cambodia was led by Mr Tep

Ngorn; Indonesia was led by Mr Bambang Soesatyo, Speaker of the People’s Representative

Council; Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR) was led by Madame Pany Yathotou,

President of the National Assembly; Malaysia was led by Dato’ Mohamad Ariff Md Yusof,

Speaker of the House of Representatives; Myanmar was led by Mr Tun Tun Hein, Deputy

Speaker of the House of Representatives; the Philippines was led by Ms Rose Marie J. Arenas,

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives; Singapore was led by Mr Charles Chong,

Deputy Speaker of Parliament; Thailand was led by Prof Pornpetch Wichitcholchai, President of

the National Assembly and Vietnam was led by General Do Ba Ty, Vice Chairman of the National

Assembly.

4 For the Observer delegations, Australia was led by Mr Scott Ryan, President of the

Senate; Belarus was led by Mr Dmitry Shevtsov; Canada was led by Mr Terry Sheehan; the

European Parliament was led by Mr Werner Langen; India was led by Mr Kirti Vardhan Singh;

2

Japan was led by Mr Motome Takisawa; the People’s Republic of China was led by Ms Wei

Lv; the Republic of Korea was led by Mr Soo Hyuck Lee; Russia was led by Mr Stepan

Zhiriakov and Timor Leste was led by Ms Maria Angelina Lopes Sarmento, Vice President of

Parliament.

5 The delegation from AIPA Secretariat was led by Mr Isra Sunthornvut, Secretary-

General.

6 For the delegations of Guests of the Host, the ASEAN Secretariat was led by Dato Lim

Jock Hoi, Secretary-General; Morocco was led by Mr Abdelaaziz Omari, Vice President of the

House of Representatives and Norway was led by Mr Torstein Tvedt Solberg.

7 The complete list of delegates is appended as Annex A.

III EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING

8 The Executive Committee, comprising the Leaders and Members of AIPA Member

Countries, met on Monday, 3 September 2018 at 8.30 pm. The meeting was presided over by Mr

Tan Chuan-Jin, President of AIPA and Speaker of the Parliament of Singapore. Ms Tin Pei Ling

of the Parliament of Singapore was Rapporteur and Mr Isra Sunthornvut, AIPA Secretary-General,

was Secretary of the meeting.

Presented the Report of the 1st AIPA Advisory Council on Dangerous Drugs

(AIPACODD) to be endorsed by the Committee on Social Matters;

Adopted the Programme of Activities, Draft Agenda Items for the 39th General Assembly,

Draft Agenda for Dialogue with the AIPA Observer Countries, and the Setting up and

Composition of Committees and Panels; and

In considering the Date and Venue of the 40th AIPA General Assembly, the meeting agreed

to hold the 40th General Assembly of AIPA in Bangkok, Thailand, in August 2019.

9 The Report of the Executive Committee Meeting is appended as Annex B.

3

IV CALL ON MR TAN CHUAN-JIN, PRESIDENT OF AIPA AND SPEAKER OF

THE PARLIAMENT OF SINGAPORE

10 On Tuesday, 4 September 2018, at 8.30 am and 9.00 am, the Leaders of AIPA Member

delegations and the Leaders of Observer delegations, respectively, paid a courtesy call on Mr Tan

Chuan-Jin, President of AIPA and Speaker of the Parliament of Singapore.

V WRITTEN MESSAGES FROM HEADS OF STATE/GOVERNMENT

11 Written Messages were received from the following Heads of State/ Government of AIPA

Member Countries:

Head of State/ Government AIPA Member Country

Preah Bat Ssamdech Preah Boromneath Norodom Sihamoni Cambodia

Mr Joko Widodo Indonesia

Mr Bounnhang Vorachit Lao PDR

Dr Mahathir Bin Mohamad Malaysia

Mr U Win Myint Myanmar

Mr Tran Dai Quang Vietnam

12 The Written Messages are appended as Annex C.

VI OPENING CEREMONY OF 39TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

13 The Opening Ceremony of the 39th General Assembly of AIPA was held on Tuesday, 4

September 2018, commencing at 9.45 am at Raffles City Convention Centre in Singapore. Mr Teo

Chee Hean, Deputy Prime Minister of Singapore, was the Guest of Honour.

Welcome Speech by Mr Tan Chuan-Jin, President of AIPA and Speaker of the Parliament

of Singapore

14 In his Welcome Speech, Mr Tan Chuan-Jin, President of AIPA and Speaker of the

Parliament of Singapore noted that even as ASEAN commemorated its 51st anniversary this year,

it has become more necessary for the grouping to ensure it remained adaptable and nimble. He

commended ASEAN for having taken active steps to ensure that the grouping thrived, including

4

establishing the ASEAN Community in 2015. Thus, he said the theme of “Resilience and

Innovation” selected to mark Singapore’s Chairmanship of ASEAN this year would build upon

community-building efforts to-date.

15 The Welcome Speech by Mr Tan Chuan-Jin is appended as Annex D.

Opening Address of Mr Teo Chee Hean, Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister and

Coordinating Minister for National Security

16 In his Opening Address, Mr Teo Chee Hean, Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister and

Coordinating Minister for National Security said that over the years, ASEAN’s political leaders

have met regularly and have developed a high level of mutual understanding and respect, resulting

in broader cooperation between ASEAN Member States. He was glad that intra- and inter-regional

trade had allowed ASEAN economies to grow collectively and steadily, and marvelled at how

greater connectivity had fostered closer people-to-people ties among ASEAN citizens.

17 Concluding his remarks, Mr Teo stressed that AIPA’s contributions to ASEAN’s future

were vital against the current backdrop of uncertainty. He said parliaments represented the people,

made the laws of the land, and helped to explain the challenges of the world to our people and

how they must respond collectively. He believed that it would only be through combined efforts

that ASEAN could continue to be a cornerstone for peace and prosperity in the world.

18 The Opening Address by Mr Teo Chee Hean is appended as Annex E.

VII FIRST PLENARY SESSION

19 The First Plenary Session of the 39th General Assembly of AIPA was held on Tuesday, 4

September 2018 at 11.00 am. It was presided over by Mr Tan Chuan-Jin, President of AIPA and

Speaker of the Parliament of Singapore, who called the session to order and invited delegates to

introduce themselves.

Nomination of the Vice-Presidents of 39th General Assembly

20 Pursuant to Article 10 of the Statutes of AIPA, the General Assembly elected the Leaders

of Delegations of the AIPA Member Parliaments as Vice-Presidents of the 39th General Assembly

of AIPA.

5

Discussion and Adoption of Items in Order of Business

21 The General Assembly then proceeded to consider and adopt the following items in the

Order of Business:

a) Programme of Activities for the 39th General Assembly (Annex F);

b) Agenda Items for the General Assembly (Annex G);

c) Agenda Item for Dialogue with Observer Countries (Annex G); and

d) Composition of Committees (Annex H).

Statements by Leaders of Delegations of AIPA Member Parliaments

22 The Leaders of Delegations of the AIPA Member Parliaments then delivered their

respective statements at the session.

23 The Statements by Leaders of Delegations of AIPA Member Parliaments are appended as

Annex I. The summaries of their Statements are contained in the Joint Communiquè (Annex S).

Statement by Secretary-General of ASEAN

24 Dato Lim Jock Hoi, the Secretary-General of ASEAN was also invited to make a

statement. The Statement by the Secretary-General of ASEAN is appended as Annex J.

Statements by Leaders of Delegations of Observer Parliaments

25 After the lunch-time adjournment, the First Plenary session continued on Tuesday, 4

September 2018 at 2.00 pm with the delivery of Statements by Leaders of Delegations of the

Observer Parliaments, namely: Australia, Belarus, Canada, People’s Republic of China, the

European Parliament, India, Japan, Republic of Korea, Russia and Timor Leste presented their

statements at the General Assembly.

26 The Statements by Leaders of Delegations of Observer Parliaments are appended as

Annex K.

VIII CALL ON MDM HALIMAH YACOB, PRESIDENT OF SINGAPORE

27 While the various Committees of the General Assembly conducted their meetings, the

Leaders of Delegations for AIPA Member Parliaments and Observer Parliaments headed to the

6

Istana and called on Mdm Halimah Yacob, the President of Singapore on Wednesday, 5

September 2018 at 10.00 am.

IX COMMITTEE MEETINGS

28 The Committees proceeded with their meetings from 4 to 5 September 2018 to consider

the agenda assigned by the General Assembly.

29 The Reports of the Committees are appended as:

Annex L - Report of the Meeting of Women Parliamentarians of AIPA (WAIPA)

Annex M - Report of the Committee on Political Matters

Annex N – Report of the Committee on Economic Matters

Annex O – Report of the Committee on Social Matters

Annex P – Report of the Committee on Organisational Matters

Annex Q – Report of the Committee on Joint Communique

Dialogue with Observer Parliaments

30 Ten AIPA Dialogue Panels were formed and met in separate meetings with the 10

Observer Parliaments. The topic for the dialogue meetings was the “Exchange of Experiences on

Climate Action and Active Ageing”. In addition, each panel was given a free hand to exchange

views and ideas on other issues of interest. The 10 dialogue panels were each chaired by delegates

from Singapore.

Chairperson Dialogue panel

Ms Foo Mee Har Australia

Mr Teo Ser Luck Belarus

Mr Ang Hin Kee Canada

Mr Liang Eng Hwa People’s Republic of China

Mr Desmond Choo European Parliament

Mr Gan Thiam Poh India

Dr Intan Azura Mokhtar Japan

Mr Pritam Singh Republic of Korea

Mr Seah Kian Peng Russia

Mr Sitoh Yih Pin Timor Leste

7

31 The Reports of the Dialogue Panels with Observers are appended as Annex R.

X SECOND PLENARY SESSION

32 The Second Plenary was held on Thursday, 6 September 2018, at 10.00 am, chaired by Mr

Tan Chuan-Jin, the President of AIPA and Speaker of the Parliament of Singapore.

Presentation and Adoption of Committee Reports

33 The Chairpersons of the Committees on Political Matters, Economic Matters, Social

Matters, Organisational Matters, WAIPA, Dialogue Panels with Observer Parliaments and Joint

Communiqué presented their respective reports. The Reports were approved by the General

Assembly.

Date and Venue of the 40th General Assembly of AIPA

34 It was agreed that the 40th General Assembly of AIPA would be held in Thailand in August

2019.

Signing of the Joint Communiqué

35 Mr Tan Chuan-Jin, President of AIPA and the Leaders of Delegations of AIPA Member

Parliaments, signed the Joint Communiqué.

36 The Joint Communiqué of the 39th General Assembly of AIPA is appended as Annex S.

XI CLOSING CEREMONY

37 The Closing Ceremony of the 39th General Assembly of AIPA was held on Thursday, 6

September 2018 immediately after the Second Plenary session.

Closing Speech by Mr Tan Chuan-Jin, AIPA President and Speaker of Parliament of

Singapore

38 In his closing remarks, Mr Tan Chuan-Jin, President of AIPA and Speaker of the

Parliament of Singapore said it was heartening that the last four days had yielded fruitful and

constructive discussions. He stressed that against the current backdrop of heightened global

8

tensions and rising isolationism, it was more imperative for ASEAN and ASEAN parliamentarians

to stand united.

39 He made a note that this General Assembly was cognisant that ASEAN was facing an

increasingly complex landscape of non-traditional and transnational security challenges and that

it was important to keep ASEAN resilient. To that end, he pointed out how this Assembly had

affirmed its continuing support for efforts to strengthen ASEAN’s resilience, by acknowledging

the ASEAN Political Security Community (APSC) Blueprint 2025, the ASEAN Leaders’ Vision

for a Resilient and Innovative ASEAN, and the ASEAN Leaders’ Statement on Cyber-security.

40 He added that, in light of the unprecedented, rapid and transformative changes brought on

by the digital revolution, this Assembly had resolved to promote innovation and e-commerce in

ASEAN by deepening cooperation to facilitate cross-border e-commerce transactions, and

encouraging the development of policies to support and globalise Micro-, Small, and Medium-

Enterprises (MSMEs) and individual entrepreneurs through the use of technology, amongst others.

He noted that this Assembly also welcomed the establishment of the ASEAN Smart Cities

Network (ASCN), which would strengthen the region’s capacity to harvest opportunities

associated with the digital revolution.

41 He concluded his speech by thanking each and every delegation for attending the 39th

General Assembly, and for delegates’ active participation and meaningful contributions.

42 The Closing Speech by Mr Tan Chuan-Jin is appended as Annex T.

Transfer of Office of the AIPA President

43 Mr Tan Chuan-Jin, outgoing President of AIPA, handed over the AIPA gravel and the

signed Instrument of Transfer document to incoming President of AIPA and President of the

National Assembly of Thailand, Prof Pornpetch Wichitcholchai.

44 The Instrument of Transfer is appended as Annex U.

Acceptance Speech by Prof Pornpetch Wichitcholchai, Incoming President of AIPA and

President of the National Assembly of Thailand

45 In his statement, Prof Pornpetch Wichitcholchai expressed his appreciation for the theme

of the 39th General Assembly of AIPA to focus efforts on building a more resilient and innovative

9

community in ASEAN. He said that as the National Assembly of Thailand takes over

Chairmanship of AIPA, it would maintain momentum of this good cause because it believed AIPA

was the ideal place to consolidate viable initiatives to achieve the commonly desired goals of the

region. Thus, he pledged that the Thai Parliament would work closely with the AIPA Member

Parliaments to nurture inter-parliamentary partnership for sustainability.

46 He added that the overall objective of Thailand’s AIPA presidency would be to contribute

to the fulfilment of sustainability according to the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

and that the key results would be based on the three aspects of the ASEAN Community Vision

2025, namely, the ASEAN Political-Security Community, the ASEAN Economic Community and

the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community. Elaborating, Prof Pornpetch Wichitcholchai said firstly,

the Thai Parliament would support AIPA parliamentarians to work with ASEAN leaders and their

governments on the creation of the rules-based ASEAN Community; secondly, the Thai

Parliament would support AIPA parliamentarians to ensure that the integration process would be

inclusive; and thirdly, the Thai Parliament would support AIPA parliamentarians to ensure that

ASEAN peoples are at the heart of ASEAN centrality.

47 The Acceptance Speech by Prof Pornpetch Wichitcholchai is appended as Annex V.

48 With the conclusion of the Acceptance Speech, the 39th General Assembly of AIPA was

officially concluded.

ANNEX A

LIST OF DELEGATES

A1

39TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE ASEAN INTER-PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY



As at 2 Sept 2018

LIST OF DELEGATES

AIPA Member Delegations

Brunei Darussalam

1 Pehin Dato Abdul Rahman bin Mohamed Taib,

Speaker of Legislative Council

Leader of Delegation

2 Pehin Dato Haji Hasrin Hj Sabtu Member

3 Pehin Dato Abdul Ghani Hj Rahim Member

4 Mr Ong Tiong Oh Member

5 Ms Siti Rozaimeriyanty Dato Abd Rahman Member

6 Ms Nik Hafimi Abdul Haadi Member

7 Miss Khairunnisa Ash’ari Member

8 Mr Pg Haji Ali Pg Maon Member

9 Mr Haji Ramli Lahit Member

10 Pehin Dato Haji Judin Hj Asar Clerk of Legislative Council

11 Ms Rose Aminah Ismal Advisor

12 Ms Dk Hjh Zaidah Pg Hj Petra Advisor

13 Mr Arifin Zania Advisor

14 Ms Haslinda Hidup Advisor

15 Datin Hjh Edah Haji Mohamed Noor Accompanying Person

16 Datin Hjh Kamriah Shari Accompanying Person

17 Datin Jaliha Bujang Accompanying Person

18 Mdm Tan Bee Choo Accompanying Person

19 Mdm Hjh Hasnah Ahmad Accompanying Person

20 Mdm Hjh Norsiah Ahmad Accompanying Person

21 Datin Hjh Zaharah Hj Ja'afar Accompanying Person

22 DSLJ Hj Abdul Rahman bin Abdul Hamid Accompanying Person

23 Pg Datin Hjh Siti Mariam bte Pg Ahmad Accompanying Person

Cambodia

1 Mr Tep Ngorn Leader of Delegation

2 Mr Prak Cham Roeun Member

3 Mrs Khoun Khun Dy Member

4 Mr Chhit Kim Yeat Member

A2

Cambodia – con’t

5 Mr Khieu Muth Member

6 Mr Yang Sem Member

7 Mrs Mean Som An Member

8 Mr Loak Chhay Advisor

9 Mr Uy Visal Advisor

10 Ms Say Pagnvathtey Advisor

11 Mr Po Sovannareth Advisor

12 Mr Koy Malayvireak Support Staff

13 Mr Mel Phanseyha Support Staff

14 Mr Hok Bunly Support Staff

15 Mr Meas Siphandorn Support Staff

16 Mr Kim Sochetra Support Staff

17 Mr Oun Somrach Support Staff

18 Mr Chhim Sothkun Support Staff

19 Mr Heang Thul Support Staff

20 Mr Mey Chamroeun Media

21 Mr Som Savuth Interpreter

22 Mrs Tep Sichantha Accompanying Person

23 Mr Pitou Ratana Accompanying Person

Indonesia

1 Mr Bambang Soesatyo,

Speaker of the House of Representatives


2 Dr Fadli Zon,

Vice Speaker

Deputy Leader of Delegation

3 Dr Nurhayati Ali Assegaf Member

4 Mr Juliari Batubara Member

5 Mrs Endang Srikarti Handayani Member

6 Mr Jazuli Juwaini Member

7 Mr Jon Erizal Member

8 Mr Abdul Kadir Karding Member

9 Mrs Kartika Yudhisti Member

10 Mrs Amelia Anggraini Member

11 Mr Sudiro Asno Member

12 Mr Indra Iskandar Advisor

13 Mr Darul Siska Advisor

14 Ms Endah TD Retnoastuti Secretary

15 Ms Noviyanti Tondok Secretary

16 Mr Ahmadi Assistant Secretary

17 Ms Warsiti Alfiah Assistant Secretary

18 Ms Anne Widyana Assistant Secretary

A3

Indonesia – con’t

19 Mr Tarli Nugroho Advisor

20 Ms Amelia Dewi Tresna Wijayanti Advisor

21 Mr Dwi Nugroho Marsudianto Advisor

22 Mr Edison Eman Tjarya Security

23 Mr Ahmad Sudirwan Media

24 Mr Muhammad Husen Media

25 Ms Pauline Theresa Mulyono Interpreter

26 Mr Chilman Arisman Advisor

27 Mr Wibanarto Eugenius Advisor

28 Mr Lautinia Astri Sutedja Advisor

Lao PDR

1 Madame Pany Yathotou,

President of the National Assembly


2 Mr Amphay Chitmanonh Member

3 Mr Bounpone Sisoulath Member

4 Prof Dr Eksavang Vongvichit Member

5 Dr Phonephet Boupha Member

6 Mrs Suanesavanh Vignaket Member

7 Mr Thanta Kongphaly Member

8 Mrs Thatsadaphone Sengsoulyya Member

9 Mr Viengthavisone Thephachanh Member

10 Dr Vilayvong Bouddakham Member

11 Mr Alavanh Phanthavong Advisor

12 Mr Khamthene Vilakoun Advisor

13 Mr Khemphone Anothay Advisor

14 Mr Khonepheng Thammavong,

Ambassador

Advisor

15 Mr Sonexay Vannaxay Advisor

16 Ms Anyphet Keola Secretary

17 Mrs Kanthina Pan Inhuan Secretary

18 Mr Kaysone Khounlavongsa Advisor

19 Ms Laddavanh Sengsourivong Advisor

20 Mrs Seng Outhay Chandala Secretary

21 Ms Siriphone Southammavong Secretary

22 Mr Khamphay Saysongkham Support Staff

23 Mr Sengfa Soukhathivong Support Staff

24 Mr Chacky Phonpaseuth Media

25 Ms Annia Keosavang Interpreter

26 Mr Souksamay Chanthamath Accompanying Person

A4

Malaysia

1 Dato’ Mohamad Ariff Md Yusof,

Speaker of the House of Representatives (Dewan Rakyat)


2 Dato’ Mohd Rashid Hasnon,

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives

Member

3 Mr Nga Kor Ming,


Member

4 Datuk Liew Vui Keong, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department

Member

5 Mr Ahmad Hassan Member

6 Mr Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir Member

7 Mr Awang Hashim Member

8 Dato’ Hanifah Hajar Taib Member

9 Mr Hasanuddin Mohd Yunus Member

10 Ms Kasthuriraani Patto Member

11 Mr Khoo Poay Tiong Member

12 Datuk Wira Mas Ermieyati Samsudin Member

13 Datin Mastura Mohd Yazid Member

14 Mr Muslimin Yahaya Member

15 Mrs Natrah Ismail Member

16 Mr Wong Chen Member

17 Mr Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh Member

18 Datuk Sambanthan Manickam, Senator

Member

19 Datuk Megat Zulkarnain Omardin, Senator

Member

20 Datuk Roosme Hamzah Secretary-General

21 Mr Iskandar Idris Secretary

22 Mr Klaus Rangga Julias Louis Secretary

23 Ms Lavinia Vyveganathan Secretary

24 Mr Martin Tomy Secretary

25 Mr Nur Azman Abdul Rahim Advisor

26 Mr Alfred Soon Chuan Ong Advisor

27 Mr Mohd Zharif Syafiq Badrul Hisam Advisor

28 Mr Jamal Sharifuddin Johan Advisor

29 Ms Nur Eliza Jemal Zainal Advisor

30 Mr Ali Zulfakar Zainal Abidin Secretary

31 Datin Hanizam Harun Accompanying Person

32 Ms Khor Yu Leng Accompanying Person

33 Datin Dr Lindai Lee Accompanying Person

34 Ms Lee Wei Cheng Accompanying Person

35 Mrs Melasutra Md Dali Accompanying Person

A5

Malaysia – con’t

36 Datin Nor Azizah Haron Accompanying Person

37 Mrs Norhannaz Mohd Accompanying Person

38 Mrs Rebecca Rajatin Accompanying Person

39 Datin Rohana Mohammad Nasir Accompanying Person

40 Mrs Sharifah Mahiza Syed Abd Kadir Accompanying Person

41 Mr Wan Emir Astar Wan Mohammad Khair-il Anuar Accompanying Person

42 Mrs Wong Seow Ching Accompanying Person

43 Mr Norazmi Alimat Accompanying Person

44 Mr Mohamad Fariz Izwan Mohd Wazir Accompanying Person

Myanmar

1 Mr Tun Tun Hein,

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives (Pyithu Hluttaw)


2 Mr Zaw Thein Deputy Leader of Delegation

3 Mr Aung Kyi Nyunt Member

4 Mr Bo Bo Oo Member

5 Ms Htoot May Member

6 Mr Naing Htoo Aung Member

7 Ms Pyone Kathy Naing Member

8 Ms Su Su Lwin Member

9 Prof Dr Than Win Member

10 Dr Win Myint Member

11 Mr Zar Ni Min Member

12 Mr Min Lwin,

Ambassador

Advisor

13 Mr Zaw Hein Secretary

14 Mr Aye Aye Mu Advisor

15 Ms Khaing Zar Yee Support Staff

16 Mr Kyaw Kyaw Aung Support Staff

17 Mr Pyae Sone Win Support Staff

18 Mr Tun Tun Lin Personal Assistant to the Leader

Philippines

1 Ms Rose Marie J. Arenas,



2 Mrs Evelina G. Escudero,



3 Mrs Mercedes K. Alvarez,


Member

A6

Philippines – con’t

4 Mr Raneo E. Abu,


Member

5 Mr Robert Ace S. Barbers Member

6 Mrs Elisa T. Kho Member

7 Mrs Ma. Lourdes R. Aggabao Member

8 Mr Rodrigo A. Abellanosa Member

9 Ms Ma. Lourdes Acosta-Alba Member

10 Mr Jorge T. Almonte Member

11 Ms Corazon B. Alano Secretary

12 Mr Novel V. Bangsal Assistant Secretary

13 Atty. Renato M. Camelon III Technical Supervisor

14 Ms Ann Marie D. Santos Protocol Officer

15 Ms Maria Elena A. So Support Staff

16 Ms Iris O. Solis Support Staff

17 Ms Marielle Milagrosa Galarosa Support Staff

18 Mr Mervin Natalicio Support Staff

19 Mr Rudy Ramon Capistrano Support Staff

20 Mr Rado I. Casapao Support Staff

21 Mr Roderick G. Magsino Support Staff

22 Ms Roxane Sabine Bacalso Support Staff

23 Mr Justice Harnielind E. Cuyuca Support Staff

24 Ms Maria Livia C. Gloria Support Staff

25 Mr Giorgidi Aggabao Accompanying Person

26 Mr Jose Manuel Alba Accompanying Person

27 Vice Governor Aurora Virginia Almonte Accompanying Person

28 Ms Angelica Alvarez Accompanying Person

Singapore

1 Mr Tan Chuan-Jin,

Speaker of Parliament

President of AIPA

2 Mr Charles Chong,

Deputy Speaker


3 Mr Lim Biow Chuan,

Deputy Speaker


4 Dr Teo Ho Pin Deputy Leader of Delegation

5 Mr Ang Hin Kee Member

6 Mr Ang Wei Neng Member

7 Ms Cheng Li Hui Member

8 Mr Chong Kee Hiong Member

9 Mr Darryl David Member

A7

Singapore – con’t

10 Mr Desmond Choo Member

11 Ms Foo Mee Har Member

12 Mr Gan Thiam Poh Member

13 Mr Henry Kwek Member

14 Dr Intan Azura Mokhtar Member

15 Ms Joan Pereira Member

16 Mr Liang Eng Hwa Member

17 Dr Lim Wee Kiak Member

18 Mr Louis Ng Member

19 Mr Melvin Yong Member

20 Mr Muhd Faisal Manap Member

21 Mr Pritam Singh Member

22 Ms Rahayu Mahzam Member

23 Mr Saktiandi Supaat Member

24 Mr Seah Kian Peng Member

25 Mr Sitoh Yih Pin Member

26 Ms Sylvia Lim Member

27 Mr Teo Ser Luck Member

28 Ms Tin Pei Ling Member

29 Mr Vikram Nair Member

30 Mr Yee Chia Hsing Member

31 Mr Zainal Sapari Member

32 Mr Dennis Tan Member

33 Ms Chia Yong Yong Member

34 Ms K Thanaletchimi Member

35 Ms Dawn Koh Secretary

36 Ms Claribel Tiang Secretary

37 Ms Chua Lik Ling Accompanying Person

38 Mrs Janet Chong Accompanying Person

39 Mdm Lee Ai Ling Accompanying Person

40 Ms Faye Ong Accompanying Person

Thailand

1 Prof Pornpetch Wichitcholchai,

President of the National Assembly


2 Mrs Bilaibhan Sampatisiri Deputy Leader of Delegation

3 Mr Anusart Suwanmongkol Member

4 Air Chief Marshal Chanat Ratana-Ubol Member

5 Air Chief Marshal Chuchart Boonchai Member

6 Ms Kanchanaratt Leevirojana Member

7 Mr Kittisak Rattanawaraha Member

A8

Thailand – con’t

8 Admiral Krisda Charoenpanich, RTN Member

9 Ms Orajit Singkalavanich Member

10 Admiral Saksith Cherdboonmuang, RTN Member

11 Mrs Saowanee Suwannacheep Member

12 Assoc Prof Sarana Boonbaichaiyapruck Member

13 Khunying Songsuda Yodmani Member

14 Assoc Prof Taweesak Suthakavatin Member

15 Mr Thani Onlahiad Member

16 Dr Thamrong Dasananjali Member

17 Mr Nat Phasuk Advisor

18 Mr Sorasak Pienvej Advisor

19 Mrs Pornpith Phetchareon Advisor

20 Ms Steejit Taipiboonsuk Advisor

21 Mr Arpone Nandakwang Secretary

22 Mr Artit Thanawong Secretary

23 Mrs Boontarika Junhanandana Secretary

24 Ms Busara Pengnum Secretary

25 Mr Chawin Wanabhum Secretary

26 Ms Isaraporn Prompriengpun Secretary

27 Mr Jirutsakorn Tippayaruk Secretary

28 Ms Mantana Sripenprapa Secretary

29 Mr Natee Chiamcharoen Secretary

30 Mr Pattara Satienkarn Secretary

31 Ms Phankwan Mingkwan Secretary

32 Mr Sanan Siriboon Secretary

33 Mr Saritpon Satawedin Secretary

34 Ms Tana Wiboonpanuvej Secretary

35 Ms Utumporn Meecharoen Secretary

36 Ms Wannapat Chaitep Secretary

37 Mr Warrawit Wattanavongsatikun Secretary

38 Mr Wittawat Hompirom Secretary

39 Mr Wutthichai Wongmethisumet Secretary

40 Mr Manopchai Vongphakdi Advisor

41 Ms Natchtanun Roopkhajorn Accompanying Person

42 Dr Suvit Yodmani Accompanying Person

43 Mrs Tipaphan Charoenpanich Accompanying Person

Vietnam

1 General Do Ba Ty,

Vice Chairman of the National Assembly


2 Mr Nguyen Van Giau Member

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Vietnam – con’t

3 Mr Vu Hai Ha Member

4 Mr Duong Quoc Anh Member

5 Mr Nguyen Huu Quang Member

6 Mr Nguyen Hoang Mai Member

7 Mr Hoang Thanh Tung Member

8 Mr Nguyen Van Tuyet Member

9 Mrs Le Thu Ha Member

10 Mrs Mai Thi Phuong Hoa Member

11 Mrs Dinh Thi Phuong Lan Member

12 Mr Nguyen Minh Duc Member

13 Mr Don Tuan Phong Member

14 Ms Dang Thi My Huong Member

15 Mrs Nguyen Tuong Van Advisor

16 Mr Trinh Xuan An Secretary

17 Mr Vu Le Thai Hoang Secretary

18 Mrs Tran Kim Chi Secretary

19 Mr Vu Dai Phuong Secretary

20 Mr Nguyen Tho Luan Secretary

21 Mrs Nguyen Thi Van Secretary

22 Ms Nguyen Thuy Duong Secretary

23 Mrs Tran Thi Ninh Secretary

24 Mr Ba Dinh Truc Secretary

25 Mrs Bui Thi Thuy Linh Secretary

26 Mr Luu Anh Tuan Secretary

27 Ms Doan Minh Ngoc Secretary

28 Mrs Tran Hoang Ngoc Media

29 Mr Le Ngoc Minh Security

A10

AIPA Observer Delegations

Australia

1 Mr Scott Ryan,

President of the Senate


2 Mr Efstathios Georganas Deputy Leader of Delegation

3 Ms Felicity Redfern Advisor

4 Ms Sarah Elizabeth Fielder Secretary

Belarus

1 Mr Dmitry Shevtsov,

Deputy Chairman of the Standing Commission on International Affairs


2 Ms Olga Gertsik Secretary

Canada

1 Mr Terrence Sheehan Leader of Delegation

2 Mr Mohamed-Iqbal Ravalia Member

3 Mr David Chandonnet Secretary

4 Ms Lisa Bradford Accompanying Person

European Parliament

1 Mr Werner Langen,

Chairman of the Delegation for Relations with Southeast Asian Countries and ASEAN, European Parliament


2 Ms Neena Gill Member

3 Mr Richard Ashworth Member

4 Mr Lucas Cibor,

Chargé d'Affaires ad interim of European Union Mission to ASEAN

Advisor

5 Mr Andreas Striegnitz Advisor

6 Mr Markus Arens Advisor

India

1 Mr Kirti Vardhan Singh Leader of Delegation

2 Mr S.S. Sundram Advisor

A11

Japan

1 Mr Motome Takisawa Leader of Delegation

2 Mr Hirofumi Takinami Member

3 Mr Hirotaka Ishikawa Member

4 Mr Naoki Kuwayama Secretary

5 Mr Kenta Suzuki Secretary

6 Ms Kuniko Shirae Interpreter

7 Ms Shiho Hoshinoya (Kawamura) Interpreter

8 Ms Yuri Sunaba Interpreter

People’s Republic of China

1 Ms Wei Lv Leader of Delegation

2 Mr Yuan Quan Secretary

3 Mr Xu Jin Secretary

4 Mr Jin Linlin Secretary

5 Mr Lu Bing Advisor

6 Ms Wang Kun Interpreter

Republic of Korea

1 Mr Soo Hyuck Lee Leader of Delegation

2 Mr Yang Seog Cheong Member

3 Mr Dae Young Zeon Advisor

4 Miss Hee Seung Chang Support Staff

5 Miss Suyeon Kim Support Staff

Russia

1 Mr Stepan Zhiriakov,

Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council Committee on Agriculture and Food Policy and Environmental Management


2 Mr Aleksei Chepa Member

3 Mr Georgii Karlov Member

4 Mr Rafail Zinurov Member

5 Mrs Irina Zolotareva Secretary

6 Ms Irina Kuzmina Secretary

7 Mr Pavel Kukarkin Interpreter

8 Ms Zarina Pelieva Interpreter

9 Mr Pavel Kuzmin Accompanying Person

A12

Timor Leste

1 Ms Maria Angelina Lopes Sarmento,

Vice President of Parliament


2 Mr Bruno Martins Candido Teixeira De Lencastre Advisor

3 Mr Danilio Norberto Basmery Verdial Barros Support Staff

AIPA Secretariat

1 Mr Isra Sunthornvut,

Secretary-General


2 Mr Mario Pandu Dewono,

Deputy Secretary-General


3 Mr M. Ilyas Saudek,

Director

Advisor

4 Ms Putri Maha Lima,

Director

Advisor

5 Ms Anggayasti Ajengpadmitha Support Staff

ASEAN Secretariat

1 Dato Lim Jock Hoi,

Secretary-General


2 Ms Hairani Tajuddin Advisor

3 Mr Yoong Yoong Lee Advisor

4 Ms Destya Pahnael Support Staff

Guests of Host

Morocco

1 Mr Abdelaaziz Omari,

Vice President of the House of Representatives


2 Mr Ouadia Benabdellah,

Ambassador

Advisor

Norway

1 Mr Torstein Tvedt Solberg Leader of Delegation

2 Ms Margrethe Saxegaard Advisor

ANNEX B

REPORT OF THE

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING

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Doc 39GA/2018/Exco

REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING

The AIPA Executive Committee met on 3 September 2018 at 8.35 pm to discuss and approve matters according to the Order of Business. 2 Pursuant to Part IV Article 10(6) of the AIPA Statutes, the President of AIPA shall be the Chairperson of the Executive Committee. The meeting was presided over by Mr Tan Chuan-Jin, the President of AIPA and Speaker of the Parliament of Singapore. Ms Tin Pei Ling was appointed as the Rapporteur and Mr Isra Sunthornvut, AIPA Secretary-General, was appointed as Secretary to the meeting. Attendance 3 The following delegates were present at the meeting:

Brunei Darussalam a) Pehin Dato Haji Abdul Rahman Taib b) Pehin Dato Haji Abdul Ghani Haji Abdul Rahim c) Ms Siti Rozaimeriyanty Haji Abdul Rahman Cambodia a) Mr Yang Sem b) Mr Chhit Kim Yeat c) Mr Visal Uy Indonesia a) Dr Fadli Zon b) Ms Kartika Yudhisti c) Mrs Amelia Anggraini Lao PDR a) Madame Pany Yathotou b) Prof Dr Eksavang Vongvichit c) Mr Viengthavisone Thephachanh Malaysia a) Dato’ Mohamad Ariff bin Md Yusof b) Dato’ Haji Mohd Rashid bin Hasnon c) Mr Nga Kor Ming

B2

Myanmar a) Mr Tun Tun Hein b) Mr Zaw Thein c) Mrs Su Su Lwin

Philippines a) Ms Rose Marie J. Arenas b) Mrs Evelina G. Escudero c) Mrs Mercedes K. Alvarez Singapore a) Mr Charles Chong b) Mr Lim Biow Chuan c) Dr Teo Ho Pin

Thailand a) Prof Pornpetch Wichitcholchai b) Mrs Bilaibhan Sampatisiri c) Mr Anusart Suwanmongkol Vietnam a) General Do Ba Ty b) Mr Nguyen Van Giau c) Mr Vu Hai Ha

Appointment of Vice Chairman 4 The meeting agreed to the appointment of Prof Pornpetch Wichitcholchai, President of the National Legislative Assembly of Thailand, as the Vice-Chairperson of the meeting. Presentation of Report 5 The Report of the 1st AIPACODD meeting held on 18-22 June 2018 in Singapore was presented at the Executive Committee meeting. Consideration of Items Programme of Activities 6 The meeting considered and approved the Programme of Activities for the 39th General Assembly of AIPA. Agenda Items for the 39th General Assembly of AIPA 7 For Item E8 “Guidelines of AIPA Engagement with Guests, Observers and Dialogue Partners”, the meeting agreed to include it in the agenda for the current General Assembly and to task the Committee on Organisational Matters to discuss the establishment of a Working Group to further consider this matter. 8 For Item E14 “Amendment to the Statutes of AIPA”, the meeting considered whether it was in accordance with Article 26 of the AIPA Statutes and whether it was more appropriate for item E14 to be considered at the next General Assembly of AIPA [Article 26 (1) of the AIPA Statutes states that proposals to amend the Statutes of AIPA shall be made formally in writing and submitted to the Secretary-General at least three (3) months prior to the commencement of the General Assembly]. After some discussion, the meeting agreed to include this item in the

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agenda for the current General Assembly for discussion but to be considered at the next General Assembly. 9 For item B6, the meeting agreed, after a protracted and extensive deliberation, to re-title the item from “Violent Attack on Rohingya and Humanitarian Crisis in Myanmar” to “Humanitarian Situation in Myanmar”. Under this revised title, Members would be able to discuss the matter in greater detail during the meeting of the Committee on Political Matters. Agenda Item for Dialogue with Observer Countries 10 The meeting unanimously agreed that the topic “Exchange of Experiences on Climate Action and Active Ageing” will be discussed at the Dialogue Panels with the Observer Countries. Establishment and Composition of Committees and Panels for Dialogue 11 The meeting also agreed to the Establishment and Composition of the following:

• Committee of Women Parliamentarians of AIPA (WAIPA); • Committee on Political Matters; • Committee on Economic Matters; • Committee on Social Matters; • Committee on Organisational Matters; • Committee on Joint Communique; • Panels for Dialogue with Australia, Belarus, Canada, People’s Republic of China,

European Parliament, India, Japan, Republic of Korea, Russia and Timor Leste. Guests of the Host 12 The meeting was informed that delegations from the ASEAN Secretariat and the Parliaments of Morocco and Norway had been invited as Guests of the Host. Date and Venue of 40th General Assembly of AIPA 13 The meeting agreed to hold the 40th General Assembly of AIPA in Bangkok, Thailand, in August 2019. The meeting ended at 10.55 pm.

ANNEX C

WRITTEN MESSAGES

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WRITTEN MESSAGE OF HIS MAJESTY PREAH BAT SAMDECH PREAH BOROMNEATH

NORODOM SIHAMONI, KING OF CAMBODIA TO THE 39TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF AIPA

On behalf of the Cambodian people, the Senate, the National Assembly and the Royal Government of the Kingdom of Cambodia, I am very pleased to express my sincere congratulations to the Parliament of the Republic of Singapore, who has been honored to host this great historic event of the 39th ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) under the theme "Towards a Resilient and Innovative community" from 3 to 7 September 2018. This 39th AIPA meeting is another prestige for the people, the Parliament, and the Government of the Republic of Singapore, who have always been playing a major role in contributing to multi-sphere development for peace and stability in the region and the world.

I have noticed that globalization has positive and negative impact on overall development of the region and the globe. Some regions enjoy remarkable development of socio-economic, peace, greater stability, and some others are facing uncertainties, including economic, trade, security, terrorism, drug, immigration, poverty, and environment.

The meetings between the legislative bodies of ASEAN, its observer countries and other relevant stakeholders in this important event is presenting solidarity and active cooperation with the Executives, as well as expressing the key roles of Parliaments to in-depth reforms. I believe that this event also reflects Parliamentary political commitments in addressing challenges through exchanges of opinions and introduction of effective mechanisms to bring peace, stability, sustainable development and long-lasting happiness for the region and the world, which is the sacred desire of all peoples.

Once again, I would like to wish His Excellency Tan Chuan-Jin, Speaker of the Parliament of the Republic of Singapore and President of AIPA, and Singaporean People with prosperity and sustainable progress, and fruitful outcomes for the 39th AIPA General Assembly.

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WRITTEN MESSAGE OF MR JOKO WIDODO

PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF INDONESIA TO THE 39TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF AIPA

Prime Minister of Singapore, HE Mr Lee Hsien Long, Speaker of the Parliament of Singapore, HE Mr Tan Chuan Jin, Honorable Speakers of ASEAN Parliaments, and Distinguished participants to the 39th General Assembly of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA).

Assalaamu'alaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh,

In line with the theme of the AIPA General Assembly, "Towards a Resilient and Innovative Community", allow me first to cite the ASEAN Leaders' Vision for a Resilient and Innovative ASEAN, held here, in Singapore, in April 2018. In one paragraph, we affirmed that ASEAN shall embrace the opportunities afforded by new technologies and innovation arising from the digital revolution, to implement smart and innovative solutions, as well as to improve digital connectivity that enhance the lives and livelihood of its people, while building resilience against potential disruptive effects. This Leaders' Vision is timely, by considering the challenges and opportunities arise from new technologies and innovation.

The rapid development of new technologies has made this world more interconnected with individuals and businesses becoming entirely reliant on them for ensuring their security. To anticipate possible threats, ASEAN has to embrace the opportunities afforded by new technologies and innovation arising from the digital revolution, to implement smatt and innovative solutions, as well as to improve digital connectivity that enhance the lives and livelihood of its people, while building resilience against disruptive effects. ASEAN Member States should strive to strengthen the protection of personal data in the region, to protect and prevent misuse of an individual's personal data, and to accelerate ASEAN's achievement of a digitally enabled economy that is secure, sustainable and transformative. Furthermore, peoples in ASEAN Member States should be able to access resources and critically evaluate and create information through digitat technology to deepen our economic integration. Our citizens should be able navigate the digital world and exercise critical thinking to actively prevent, filter and combat the spread of hoaxes and hate speech, rampant cyberbullying, and radical and terrorist groups using social media to attract recruits.

Honorable Members of APA, we should always remember that rapid economic development, while necessary for the economic advancement of our people, for sustainable development and for poverty eradication, could also pose challenges by bringing about unsustainable consumption and production patterns, as well as regional food and energy security concerns. Rapid urbanization increases the need for sustainable environmental management. In dealing with those challenges and maintaining our commitment for sustainable development, we

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should act in concert to establish balance among economic growth, social development and environmental sustainability, we should also strengthen ASEAN's commitment to the realization of the Post 2015 Development Agenda and the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Sustainable is the key concept in achieving prosperity, environmental protection, and social development in our region. The ASEAN Economic Community Blueprint 2025 recognizes the importance of sustainable economic development as an integral part of the region's growth strategy. The enhancement of ASEAN Connectivity will continue to benefit all ASEAN Member States, through improved physical, institutional and people-to people linkages, and by promoting greater competitiveness, prosperity, inclusiveness and sense of community. The Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity 2025 will provide a pathway in achieving the ASEAN Community and also supports the implementation of the ASEAN Political-Security Community Blueprint 2025, the ASEAN Economic Community Blueprint 2025, the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community Blueprint 2025.

Protection of the environment and natural resources supports economic growth and vice versa. One of the characteristics of the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community 2025 is its ability to promote and ensure balanced social development and sustainable environment that meet the needs of the peoples at all times. The aim is to strive for an ASEAN Community with equitable access to a sustainable environment that can support social development.

Sustainable is also the key word in promoting a resilient and innovative community. ASEAN Vision 2025 has clearly envisaged a peaceful, stable and resilient community with enhanced capacity to respond effectively to challenges. ASEAN countries have agreed to further equip themselves with the capability to seize opportunities and address challenges in the coming decade. This is our commitment, our endeavor and our envision that we will realize, strive for and achieve for the betterment of our people and our region and beyond.

Honorable Members of APA, allow me to highlight an important message. As representatives of the people, as legislators, and as norm setters in your respective countries, you have the greatest capability to significantly contribute to the ASEAN process. You have the ability to enact laws and regulations that impact on the lives of our citizens. In this regard, I would like to cite an issue of ASEAN awareness. Surveys show that awareness of ASEAN in our society has yet to reach a satisfactory level. Efforts to raise ASEAN awareness need to be consolidated coordinated and inclusive, not scattered. We need to work together so that people at the grassroots level have a common understanding of ASEAN, on where we were before, where we are now, and where we are going.

In conclusion, resilience and innovation are not aliens terms to us. They are imbued in our bloodstream since the beginning. In this regard, allow me to cite a provision of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (1976) in Southeast Asia, one of ASEAN's founding documents: "The High Contracting Parties in their efforts to achieve regional prosperity and security, shall endeavour to cooperate in all fields for the promotion of regional resilience, based on the principles of self-confidence, self-reliance, mutual respect, cooperation and solidarity which will constitute the foundation for a strong and viable community of nations in Southeast Asia. Thus together, we in ASEAN will forge ahead towards a rules-based, people-oriented, people centered community; where our people enjoy human rights and fundamental freedoms, higher quality of life, and the benefit of community building. Thus, we reinforce our sense of unity and common identity, guided by the ideals and principles enshrined in the ASEAN Charter.

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Finally, I congratulate you, as partner in achieving a resilient and innovative community in the region, on your holding the 39th AIPA General Assembly and wish your deliberations to be successful and fruitful.

Thank you.

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WRITTEN MESSAGE OF MR BOUNNHANG VORACHIT

PRESIDENT OF THE LAO PEOPLE’S DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC TO THE 39TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF AIPA

The Honourable AIPA President, Honourable Members of Parliaments and Distinguished Delegates,

On behalf of the people and the Government of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, I wish to extend my warmest to H.E. Tan Chuan-Jin, Speaker of the Parliament of Singapore, Honourable President of the AIPA for hosting 39th General Assembly of AIPA. May I also extend my greetings to all distinguished Parliamentarians participating in this annual gathering of AIPA in the Republic of Singapore.

ASEAN and AIPA have come a long way in their efforts in promoting regional peace and stability, economic prosperity and socio-cultural progress in the region. As the challenges that we face today are more complex than ever before and cooperation across all three pillars of government, executive and judicial, therefore, has a very important role to play.

We have seen AIPA’s dynamic role in accelerating the establishment of the ASEAN Community through the ratification of relevant conventions and adoption of resolutions that support ASEAN community building and promote closer cooperation between ASEAN and AIPA. In doing so, the constructive and active cooperation between executive and legislatures has been invaluable.

As National Parliaments of ASEAN Member States are catalyst to ASEAN integration and as the legitimate representatives of the people, I believe, it can help bringing ASEAN closer to the people and reflect the voices and hopes of our people.

Recognizing the role of AIPA, Myanmar has been actively participating in the AIPA’s various activities and contributing to the inter-parliamentary cooperation in regional and international fora since joining AIPA in 2011. I am very pleased that the aims of AIPA to promote the principles of human rights, democracy, peace, security and prosperity in ASEAN are closely in line with Myanmar’s domestic priorities.

The theme “Towards a Resilient and Innovative Community” for this year General Assembly is very consistent with the theme of Singapore ASEAN Chairmanship for this year and I believe these will complement each other in the implementation of ASEAN Community Building Process.

On this very special occasion, I would like to commend AIPA and all participating countries for being 39 years together and making concerted efforts for the betterment of the

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ASEAN Region and its people by raising awareness of ASEAN policies and transforming it into actions which contribute to rules-based, people-oriented, people-centered ASEAN Community.

Finally, I wish to call upon the ASEAN Parliamentarians, who represent the voices of the people, to stand with the people for realizing their common aspirations.

I wish 39th AIPA General Assembly will be able to bring about successful outcomes and continue to serve as a forum for parliamentarians to observe and share views on the common interests of our region.

Thank you.

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WRITTEN MESSAGE OF DR MAHATHIR BIN MOHAMAD

PRIME MINISTER OF MALAYSIA TO THE 39TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF AIPA

The President of the Republic of Singapore, The Prime Minister of the Republic of Singapore, Honorable Members of the ASEAN Parliaments and Distinguished Delegates,

It is a great honour for me to pen a few words in conjunction with 39th General Assembly of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) here in Singapore.

On behalf of the government and people of Malaysia, I take great pleasure in extending my warmest greetings to the President and the Prime Minister of the Republic of Singapore as well as to all the distinguished delegates and observers attending the 39th General Assembly of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) which is themed “Towards a Resilient and Innovative Community”.

The ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) has a long history and close relationship with ASEAN - both having intertwined aims towards solidarity, understanding, cooperation and establishing close relations among AIPA members parliaments, AIPA observers and other related organizations.

AIPA obviously took the cue from ASEAN, which from its initial objective of cooperation in regional peace and stability has steadily moved towards greater regional integration and that success has given it the admirable record of preserving harmony in one of the most diverse part of the world.

AIPA’s engagement and integration efforts plays a vital role in strengthening and realising the ASEAN Community. This is achieved through facilitating legislative processes to provide cohesiveness in the decision-making exercise. As representatives of the people, AIPA members provide the fundamental link to the grassroots and as parliamentarians they are most suited to create and raise awareness of ASEAN policies among their electorates and communities. This in turn empowers the people to participate in the ASEAN Community development process.

The theme “Towards a Resilient and Innovative Community” should further outline AIPA’s role and participation in the ASEAN development efforts.

On that note, I wish the participants of AIPA’s 39th General Assembly all the best in their deliberations. Their success promises a more integrated ASEAN that is confident in facing new and though challenges ahead. Thank you.

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WRITTEN MESSAGE OF MR U WIN MYINT

PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE UNION OF MYANMAR TO THE 39TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF AIPA

The Honourable AIPA President, Honourable Members of Parliaments and Distinguished Delegates,

On behalf of the people and the Government of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, I wish to extend my warmest to H.E. Tan Chuan-Jin, Speaker of the Parliament of Singapore, Honourable President of the AIPA for hosting 39th General Assembly of AIPA. May I also extend my greetings to all distinguished Parliamentarians participating in this annual gathering of AIPA in the Republic of Singapore.

ASEAN and AIPA have come a long way in their efforts in promoting regional peace and stability, economic prosperity and socio-cultural progress in the region. As the challenges that we face today are more complex than ever before and cooperation across all three pillars of government, executive and judicial, therefore, has a very important role to play.

We have seen AIPA’s dynamic role in accelerating the establishment of the ASEAN Community through the ratification of relevant conventions and adoption of resolutions that support ASEAN community building and promote closer cooperation between ASEAN and AIPA. In doing so, the constructive and active cooperation between executive and legislatures has been invaluable.

As National Parliaments of ASEAN Member States are catalyst to ASEAN integration and as the legitimate representatives of the people, I believe, it can help bringing ASEAN closer to the people and reflect the voices and hopes of our people.

Recognizing the role of AIPA, Myanmar has been actively participating in the AIPA’s various activities and contributing to the inter-parliamentary cooperation in regional and international fora since joining AIPA in 2011. I am very pleased that the aims of AIPA to promote the principles of human rights, democracy, peace, security and prosperity in ASEAN are closely in line with Myanmar’s domestic priorities.

The theme “Towards a Resilient and Innovative Community” for this year General Assembly is very consistent with the theme of Singapore ASEAN Chairmanship for this year and I believe these will complement each other in the implementation of ASEAN Community Building Process.

On this very special occasion, I would like to commend AIPA and all participating countries for being 39 years together and making concerted efforts for the betterment of the

C9

ASEAN Region and its people by raising awareness of ASEAN policies and transforming it into actions which contribute to rules-based, people-oriented, people-centered ASEAN Community.

Finally, I wish to call upon the ASEAN Parliamentarians, who represent the voices of the people, to stand with the people for realizing their common aspirations.

I wish 39th AIPA General Assembly will be able to bring about successful outcomes and continue to serve as a forum for parliamentarians to observe and share views on the common interests of our region.

Thank you.

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WRITTEN MESSAGE OF MR TRAN DAI QUANG

PRESIDENT OF VIETNAM TO THE 39TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF AIPA

Your Excellency Mr Tan Chuan-Jin, Speaker of the Parliament of Singapore, President of AIPA-39.

On behalf of the State and people of Vietnam, I would like to extend my warmest greetings to Mr. President, Leaders of AIPA Member Delegations, and distinguished delegates attending the 39th General Assembly of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA-39) in the beautiful country of Singapore.

Over the last forty years, AIPA has played an important role in and made active contributions to the building of an ASEAN Community of solidarity, unity, for peace, cooperation, development and prosperity that brings about benefits to all. I applaud the theme of AIPA-39: “Towards a Resilient and Innovative Community”, which is very much in line with the development goals of the ASEAN Community amidst the rapid shifts in the region and the world.

The building of a resilient and innovative ASEAN Community should base itself on all three pillars, namely, Political-Security, Economic, and Cultural-Social. To this end, we should tap into the internal strengths of each member state, maintain strong solidarity and unity; reinforce ASEAN centrality in the emerging regional architecture; enhance connectivity and intra-bloc economic exchanges, strengthen competitiveness, make full use of external resources and the 4th Industrial Revolution for development; effectively address traditional and non-traditional security challenges aimed at sustainable development.

In realizing the ASEAN Community Vision 2025, connectivity and synergy between AIPA and ASEAN are of vital significance. On the one hand, AIPA cooperation is the driver of our joint effort towards a rules-based regional order, and creating a favorable and effective legal framework to support state diplomacy among ASEAN member states as well as between ASEAN and its partners. On the other hand, ASEAN cooperation lays an important foundation for promoting inter-parliamentary cooperation. In this spirit, the National Assembly of Viet Nam has been actively and responsibly participating in AIPA activities, thus contributing to the development of a stable and sustainable ASEAN Community.

We believe, Mr President, that under your chairmanship, and given the close cooperation from the distinguished delegates and the thorough preparations of the Parliament of Singapore, AIPA-39 will be a great success.

Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.

ANNEX D

WELCOME SPEECH BY MR TAN CHUAN-JIN

D1




WELCOME SPEECH BY

MR TAN CHUAN-JIN, PRESIDENT OF AIPA AND SPEAKER OF THE PARLIAMENT OF SINGAPORE

AT THE OPENING CEREMONY ON 4 SEPTEMBER 2018

Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean, Distinguished Colleagues, Your Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen. Allow me to begin by extending a warm welcome to all of you to the 39th General Assembly of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly. 51 years since its conception, ASEAN is at an inflexion point. It has become more necessary than ever that ASEAN is adaptable and nimble. Since Singapore last hosted the AIPA General Assembly in 2008, ASEAN has taken active steps to ensure that it not only survives, but thrives. A key milestone was the establishment of the ASEAN Community in 2015. Singapore’s ASEAN Chairmanship themes, centred on Resilience and Innovation, build upon these community-building efforts. AIPA as a body has had to evolve as well. Initially known as the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Organisation, or AIPO, there was similarly a recognition of the need to become more effective and closely integrated. Between 2005 and 2007, AIPO underwent two years of extensive study and deliberation to become the AIPA we know today. AIPA has also expanded to comprise the Parliaments of all 10 ASEAN Member States. Today, it holds annual engagements between our Member Parliaments and AIPA’s 12 Observer Parliaments from around the world. The establishment of mechanisms like the AIPA Caucus, which helps develop common legislative initiatives to harmonise the laws of ASEAN Member States, have also made AIPA more effective as an institution. Singapore is similarly honoured to be able to play a part in the evolution of AIPA. What has not changed, however, is this: AIPA has been, and continues to serve as an important platform to promote regional cooperation and understanding amongst parliamentarians of our region. Nearly 40 years ago at the inaugural AIPO General Assembly held in Singapore, then-AIPO President Dr Yeoh Ghim Seng expressed hope that the body could pave the way for closer and more active cooperation among ASEAN Parliamentarians. As we gather in Singapore this week, we reaffirm our predecessors’ hopes that AIPA would positively contribute to mutual understanding, and build trust and confidence between its members. A prime example of this would be the 1st Meeting of the AIPA Advisory Council on Dangerous Drugs, or AIPACODD, held in Singapore from 19 to 20 June this year. Over 50 delegates from across ASEAN came together to exchange views on the anti-drug efforts of their respective countries, and discuss strategies to support ASEAN’s commitment towards a drug-free

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region. Through such engagements, our Parliaments have helped foster greater cooperation between its members. It is worth noting that AIPACODD itself is the successor of the AIPA Fact Finding Committee on Drug Menace that existed between 1999 and 2017. This shows how AIPA has evolved to best serve the people of ASEAN. At the same time, the unique role that we as parliamentarians play as interlocutors between ASEAN the organisation, and ASEAN the people, bears repeating. As representatives of our citizens, we are in a unique position to raise awareness of ASEAN, and communicate the benefits of the ASEAN Community to the man in the street. At the same time, we have a duty to give voice to the real-life issues that affect them. A people-centred ASEAN is one that not only provides for the tangibles, but also creates space for hopes and ambitions. Friends and Colleagues, I would like to conclude by invoking Dr Yeoh Ghim Seng once more. It is a privilege for us as political leaders, he said, to reflect the feelings and aspirations of our respective peoples. In the spirit of these words, it is my hope that in all that we do, we focus on creating a more resilient, more innovative ASEAN that can best serve its people for generations to come. With that, I would like to warmly welcome all of you to Singapore once again. I hope that our time together will be both productive and enjoyable. I now have the honour to invite Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean to give the Opening Address. Deputy Prime Minister, please.

ANNEX E

OPENING ADDRESS BY DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER TEO

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OPENING ADDRESS BY

MR TEO CHEE HEAN, DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER & COORDINATING MINISTER FOR NATIONAL SECURITY

AT THE OFFICIAL OPENING ON 4 SEPTEMBER 2018

President of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly, Speaker Tan Chuan-Jin, Excellencies, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen. I would like to extend a warm welcome to all of you to Singapore for the 39th ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (or AIPA) General Assembly. It is always a pleasure when we get together as one ASEAN family. ASEAN’s development over the past 51 years has been marked by relative peace and prosperity. Our political leaders meet regularly and have developed a high level of mutual understanding and respect. Cooperation between member states has broadened and continues to evolve. Intra- and inter-regional trade has allowed our economies to grow collectively and steadily. Greater connectivity has fostered closer people-to-people ties among our citizens. In a region so diverse in culture, history, ethnicity, and religion, ASEAN unity is not a natural state of affairs, but a testament to human will, and a collective recognition that our region and our people are better when ASEAN is united. Today, ASEAN-led mechanisms are key platforms for regional countries to meet and discuss challenging geopolitical issues. Our platforms continue to attract the attention and interest of countries beyond, underlining ASEAN’s centrality in the region’s affairs. This is not a coincidence. Our unity gives us weight and relevance. This in turn has helped to ensure ASEAN’s centrality over the last 51 years. That is not to say that member states do not have our share of differences. Every family does. Yet by and large, ASEAN’s unity has endured, through great effort on the part of its member states. However, we cannot take ASEAN’s continued centrality for granted, as the geopolitical landscape can shift rapidly and suddenly. The conflicts of the past were waged between nation-states. Today, however, we see an increasingly complex environment with non-traditional and transnational security challenges in the form of terrorism, violent extremism, cybercrime and more. Protectionism, isolationism and xenophobia are threatening to upend the global political and economic order. We face global challenges like climate change and sustainable global growth, that no single country can tackle on its own. The digital revolution continues to sweep the world. It is swiftly changing the way we live, interact, and structure our economies.

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As ASEAN navigates these volatile times, it is opportune for us to consider what AIPA’s role can be in supporting ASEAN’s continued centrality. As Chair of ASEAN this year, Singapore is committed to work with member states to make sure that ASEAN stays ready to harness new opportunities while managing emerging challenges. The work of the 39th AIPA General Assembly focuses on building a Resilient and Innovative ASEAN Community, which is also the theme of our ASEAN Chairmanship this year. I believe that there are 4 C’s that AIPA can focus on, in helping to build a more Cohesive, Connected, Creative and Climate-Resilient ASEAN. First, a more Cohesive ASEAN. As a platform for our parliamentarians to identify and discuss matters of common concern, AIPA plays an important role in fostering greater cohesion and regional cooperation. The strong parliamentary ties that are built through regular engagements such as this week’s General Assembly will serve as foundations for further integration and cooperation. This will in turn strengthen ASEAN’s resilience against emerging security challenges at all levels. I urge all our AIPA parliamentarians to continue providing mutual cooperation and support to one another to strengthen our collective efforts. Second, a more Connected ASEAN. As representatives of our people, AIPA parliamentarians have a key role to play in helping our citizens to better understand the importance of a more inter-connected ASEAN and the need to pursue free and open markets. This is especially so today. As some countries reject the open and rules-based multilateral trading system of the past seventy years, ASEAN must continue to position itself as a champion for free trade. As a collection of developing economies, representing 630 million people, with the 6th largest economy in the world, ASEAN has benefited immensely from this network of free and open markets. Our continued growth as a region heavily depends on us remaining so. We must avoid the temptation to regress, look inward, and implement protectionist policies in our own countries that will set us all back. AIPA parliamentarians can play a crucial role in our efforts on this front. Third, a more Creative ASEAN. AIPA parliamentarians are well-placed to encourage a mind-set of creativity and innovation among our peoples. The digital revolution is driving rapid changes in our economic, social, and even political interactions. While this has become a source of anxiety among some countries, ASEAN cannot try to hide from this wave; if we do, we risk being swept aside. Instead, ASEAN should ride this wave to our benefit. Inculcating a mind-set of creativity and innovation will help bring about a future-ready ASEAN that is adaptable and forward-looking. It will also enable our citizens to harness the opportunities brought about by new disruptive technologies. This is the motivation behind the ASEAN Smart Cities Network. It aims to link our cities together in a new way, allowing us to learn, create and innovate together. 26 pilot smart cities will be implementing their individualised action plans to make our cities smarter, more connected with each other, and better places for our citizens to live in. AIPA parliamentarians will play a key role in promoting the adoption of new technologies among ASEAN’s businesses and peoples. Fourth, a more Climate-Resilient ASEAN. AIPA parliamentarians play a critical role in our collective push for a low-carbon and climate-resilient ASEAN, through encouraging the promotion of sustainable growth and ecosystems. Climate change is a prime example of a pressing challenge that no country can face alone. According to the Asian Development Bank, regional temperatures could rise by around 6 degrees Celsius by the year 2100 , if no significant action is taken to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions. Many of ASEAN’s largest cities are located in low-lying coastal areas. Some are facing sinking land levels, and many are exposed to severe natural phenomena such as typhoons, and even tsunamis. Climate change and rising sea levels would have a catastrophic impact on our

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economies and the welfare of our peoples. Domestic support in each of our countries is crucial for the implementation of climate initiatives. In both your roles as intermediaries between the political leadership and the people, and as bridges between the peoples of different countries, your support is key. ASEAN and its unity and centrality cannot be taken for granted. There is no guarantee that the peace and prosperity of the past 51 years will continue. We have to continue to strive to maintain and strengthen the very idea of ASEAN, by building strong domestic buy-in amongst our people and our member states. It is imperative that we continue to maintain a sense of common purpose, deepen our cooperation, and bring ASEAN closer to our peoples. AIPA’s contributions to ASEAN’s future cannot be understated. As parliamentarians, your support for the ASEAN project is vital against this backdrop of uncertainty. Our parliaments represent our people; make our laws; and help explain to our people the challenges of the world, and how we must respond to them collectively. Only through our combined efforts can ASEAN continue to be a cornerstone for peace and prosperity in the world.

I wish you all an interesting, insightful and fruitful week ahead as you help chart ASEAN’s path forward. It now gives me great pleasure to declare the 39th AIPA General Assembly open.

ANNEX F

PROGRAMME OF ACTIVITIES

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Doc 39GA/2018/Prog

PROGRAMME OF ACTIVITIES All officially-hosted delegates are cordially invited to the receptions and events indicated in the Programme below. MONDAY 3 SEPTEMBER 2018 (DAY ONE)

- Arrival of Delegates, Observers and Spouses at Singapore Changi Airport - Proceed to Fairmont Singapore

Address: 80 Bras Basah Road Singapore 189560

- Registration of Delegates, Observers and Spouses at Hotel Venue: Convention Foyer

Raffles City Convention Centre (RCCC), Level 4 4.00 pm - - Briefing for Delegation Secretaries 5.00 pm Venue: Bras Basah Room RCCC, Level 4 After the Briefing, AIPA Secretary-General to meet with the AIPA Member

National Secretariats. 7.00 pm - Welcome Reception hosted by the Singapore AIPA Delegation Venue: Fairmont Ballroom Foyer RCCC, Level 4 Dress: Long-sleeved Shirt, no Tie 8.30 pm - Executive Committee Meeting

(Leaders of AIPA Member Delegations and 2 delegates from each delegation)

Venue: Bras Basah Room RCCC, Level 4 Dress: Long-sleeved Shirt, no Tie Discussion/Adoption of:

Programme of Activities for the 39th General Assembly Agenda for the General Assembly Topics for Dialogue with Observers

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Membership of Committees Committee on Political Matters Committee on Economic Matters Committee on Social Matters Committee on Organisational Matters Committee on Joint Communique Women Parliamentarians of AIPA (WAIPA)

Date and Venue of 40th General Assembly Any Other Matters

TUESDAY 4 SEPTEMBER 2018 (DAY TWO) 6.30 am - - Breakfast 8.30 am Venue: Prego Fairmont Singapore, Level 1 8.30 am - - Courtesy Call by Leaders of AIPA Member Delegations on President of

AIPA 8.50 am and Speaker of the Parliament of Singapore, Mr Tan Chuan-Jin Venue: Orchard Room RCCC, Level 4 Dress: National Dress/ Business Suit 9.00 am - - Courtesy Call by Leaders of AIPA Observer Delegations on President of

AIPA 9.20 am and Speaker of the Parliament of Singapore, Mr Tan Chuan-Jin Venue: Orchard Room RCCC, Level 4 Dress: National Dress/ Business Suit After the courtesy call, Leaders of AIPA Member Delegations and Observer

Delegations proceed to the VIP Lounge A to await the arrival of the Deputy Prime Minister of Singapore, Mr Teo Chee Hean.

9.15 am - Delegates, Observers and Spouses to take their seats. 9.30 am - Photo Session of Leaders of AIPA Member Delegations and Observer

Delegations with the Deputy Prime Minister of Singapore, Mr Teo Chee Hean

Venue: Fairmont Ballroom Foyer RCCC, Level 4 9.45 am - Official Opening of the 39th General Assembly by Deputy Prime Minister

of Singapore, Mr Teo Chee Hean Venue: Padang and Collyer Ballroom RCCC, Level 4 Dress: National Dress/ Business Suit

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Opening Performance Welcome Speech by President of AIPA and Speaker of the Parliament

of Singapore, Mr Tan Chuan-Jin Opening Address by Deputy Prime Minister, Mr Teo Chee Hean Reception Venue: Fairmont Ballroom Foyer

11.00 am - First Plenary Session of the 39th General Assembly Venue: Padang and Collyer Ballroom RCCC, Level 4 Dress: National Dress/ Business Suit

Nomination of Vice-Presidents of the 39th General Assembly Discussion and Adoption of: Programme of Activities Agenda Topics for Dialogue with Observers Membership of Committees

Statements by Leaders of AIPA Member Delegations Brunei Darussalam Cambodia Indonesia Laos Malaysia Myanmar Philippines Thailand Vietnam Singapore

Statement by Secretary-General of ASEAN 1.00 pm - - Lunch 2.00 pm Venue: Canning Ballroom RCCC, Level 4 2.00 pm - First Plenary Session of the 39th General Assembly (cont’d) Venue: Padang and Collyer Ballroom RCCC, Level 4

Statements by Leaders of Observer Delegations Australia Belarus Canada People’s Republic of China European Parliament India Japan Republic of Korea

F4

Russia Timor Leste

2.00 pm - - Meeting of Women Parliamentarians of AIPA (WAIPA) 5.00 pm Venue: Bras Basah Room RCCC, Level 4 6.15 pm - Delegates, Observers and Spouses leave Hotel for Gardens by the Bay 6.45 pm - Pre-dinner Visit to Flower Dome 7.30 pm - Dinner hosted by President of AIPA and Speaker of the Parliament of

Singapore, Mr Tan Chuan-Jin Venue: Gardens by the Bay – Flower Field Hall 18 Marina Gardens Drive Singapore 018953 Dress: Long-sleeved Shirt, no Tie

WEDNESDAY 5 SEPTEMBER 2018 (DAY THREE) 6.30 am - - Breakfast 8.30 am Venue: Prego Fairmont Singapore, Level 1 9.00 am - - Committee Meetings 12.00 noon Dress: National Dress/ Business Suit

Committee on Political Matters Venue: Orchard Room RCCC, Level 4 Committee on Economic Matters Venue: VIP Lounge A RCCC, Level 4 Committee on Social Matters Venue: Padang Ballroom RCCC, Level 4 Committee on Organisational Matters Venue: Bras Basah Room RCCC, Level 4

9.30 am - Leaders of AIPA Member Delegations and Observer Delegations leave

Hotel for the Istana

F5

10.00 am - - Courtesy Call on President of Singapore, Mdm Halimah Yacob by 10.45 am Leaders of AIPA Member Delegations and Observer Delegations

Venue: Istana Dress: National Dress/ Business Suit

10.45 am - - Photo Session of Leaders of AIPA Member Delegations and Observer 11.00 am Delegations with President of Singapore, Mdm Halimah Yacob

Venue: Istana Dress: National Dress/ Business Suit

1.00 pm - - Lunch 2.00 pm Venue: Canning Room RCCC, Level 4 2.00 pm - - Dialogue with Observer Countries 3.30 pm Dress: National Dress/ Business Suit

Australia Venue: Orchard Room RCCC, Level 4

Belarus Venue: Mercury Room RCCC, Level 4 Canada

Venue: Indiana Room RCCC, Level 4

People’s Republic of China Venue: Bras Basah Room RCCC, Level 4

European Parliament Venue: VIP Lounge A RCCC, Level 4

India Venue: Enterprise Room RCCC, Level 4 3.30 pm - - Dialogue with Observer Countries 5.00 pm Dress: National Dress/ Business Suit

Japan Venue: Orchard Room RCCC, Level 4

F6

Republic of Korea Venue: Indiana Room RCCC, Level 4

Russia Venue: Bras Basah Room RCCC, Level 4

Timor Leste Venue: Enterprise Room RCCC, Level 4

3.30 pm - - Committee on Joint Communique 5.00 pm Venue: Padang Ballroom RCCC, Level 4 Dress: National Dress/ Business Suit

- Embassy Night (Free night for delegates)

THURSDAY 6 SEPTEMBER 2018 (DAY FOUR) 6.30 am - - Breakfast 8.30 am Venue: Prego Fairmont Singapore, Level 1 10.00 am - Second Plenary Session of the 39th General Assembly

Venue: Padang and Collyer Ballroom RCCC, Level 4 Dress: National Dress/ Business Suit

Presentation of Reports of Committees by Chairmen of Committees and Adoption of Reports Committee on Political Matters Committee on Economic Matters Committee on Social Matters Committee on Organisational Matters Women Parliamentarians of AIPA (WAIPA) Committee on Joint Communique

Announcement of the Date and Venue of 40th General Assembly of

AIPA

Signing of the Joint Communique by Leaders of the AIPA Member Delegations

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10.45 am - Closing Ceremony Venue: Padang and Collyer Ballroom RCCC, Level 4 Dress: National Dress/ Business Suit

Closing speech by President of AIPA and Speaker of Parliament of Singapore, Mr Tan Chuan-Jin

Transfer of the Office of the President of AIPA Acceptance Speech by incoming President of AIPA

11.15 am - Press Conference

Outgoing and Incoming Presidents of AIPA together with Chairpersons of the Committees

Venue: VIP Lounge A RCCC, Level 4 1.00 pm - Lunch Venue: Canning Ballroom RCCC, Level 4 2.30 pm - Delegates, Observers and Spouses to depart Hotel for Recreation

Programme 3.00 pm - - Recreation Programme - Singapore Flyer Experience 4.00 pm Address: 30 Raffles Avenue Singapore 039803 4.30 pm - Depart for Hotel 7.30 pm - Solidarity Dinner hosted by Deputy Speakers of Singapore Parliament, Mr

Charles Chong and Mr Lim Biow Chuan Venue: Padang and Collyer Ballroom RCCC, Level 4 Dress: Long-sleeved Shirt, no Tie FRIDAY 7 SEPTEMBER 2018 (DAY FIVE) 6.30 am - - Breakfast 8.30 am Venue: Prego Fairmont Singapore, Level 1 - Delegates, Observers and Spouses depart for Singapore Changi Airport

_______________________

ANNEX G

AGENDA ITEMS FOR 39TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF AIPA

AND FOR DIALOGUE WITH OBSERVER COUNTRIES

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Doc 39GA/2018/Agenda

AGENDA

A. Committee on Women Parliamentarians of AIPA (WAIPA) 1. Promoting Women’s Entrepreneurship for Development 2. Empowering Women in ASEAN to Harness the Potential of Industrial Revolution 4.0

B. Committee on Political Matters

1. Report of the ASEAN-AIPA Interface at the 30th ASEAN Summit 2. Report of the 9th AIPA Caucus Meeting 3. Strengthening ASEAN Resilience against Terrorism and other Emerging Security

Challenges 4. Collection and Exchange of Information on Laws of AIPA 5. Enhancing Cooperation on Maritime Security in ASEAN 6. Humanitarian Situation in Myanmar 7. Formalizing the Support by (1) the Committee of Permanent Representatives (CPR) to

ASEAN and (2) ASEAN Ambassadors to ASEAN Member States to ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA)

C. Committee on Economic Matters

1. Strengthening Cooperation to Promote Cross-Border Data Flows in ASEAN 2. Promoting Innovation and e-Commerce in ASEAN 3. Deepening Regional Economic Integration in ASEAN 4. Good Regulatory Practices in the ASEAN Economic Integration 5. Regional Effort to Address the Impact of Global Trade Tension Between Economic

Powerhouses D. Committee on Social Matters

1. Report of the 1st AIPACODD Meeting and the Resolutions on Securing a Drug-Free ASEAN Community for Future Generations and The Terms of Reference for AIPACODD

2. Promoting Digital Literacy and Combating Fake News 3. Support for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) 4. Environmental Sustainability and Sustainable Urban Ecosystems

E. Committee on Organisational Matters

1. AIPA Secretariat's Annual Report FY2017-2018 2. Continuation of the Joint Programme between AIPA and the Government of the Federal

Republic of Germany through Deusche Gesellschaft Fuer Internationale Zussamenarbeit (GIZ)

3. Expanding the Scope of Cooperation between Freeland Foundation and the AIPA Secretariat

4. Financial Reports of the AIPA Secretariat

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5. (1) Estimated Budget for the AIPA Secretariat for the Period of 1 August 2018 to 31 July 2019; (2) Supplementary Estimates from 1 August 2019 to 30 September 2019; and (3) Special Fund

6. Submission of the Draft Resolution of AIPA Member Parliaments with its Explanatory Note

7. A) AIPA Distinguished Service Award - Indonesia B) AIPA Distinguished Service Award - Thailand

8. Guidelines of AIPA Engagement with Guests, Observers and Dialogue Partners 9. Accrediting the Parliament of the Kingdom of Norway as Observer of AIPA 10. Accrediting the Parliament of the National Assembly of the Islamic Republic of

Pakistan as Observer of AIPA 11. Accrediting the Parliament of the Republic of Georgia as Observer of AIPA 12. Development of New Organizational Design and Human Capacity Development Plan

for AIPA Secretariat 13. Legal Status of the AIPA House 14. Amendment to the Statutes of AIPA 15. Appreciating the Services of Mr Tan Chuan-Jin as President of AIPA 16. Date and Venue of the 40th General Assembly 17. Development of Web-Based and Online Database Resolutions Adopted by AIPA 18. Appreciating Years of Service of Ms Ria Rumata Aritonang to AIPA and AIPA

Secretariat F. Topic for Dialogue with AIPA Observer Countries

1. Exchange of Experiences on Climate Action and Active Ageing

ANNEX H

COMPOSITION OF COMMITTEES

H1




COMPOSITION OF COMMITTEES AND PANELS

COMMITTEES

WOMEN PARLIAMENTARIANS OF AIPA (WAIPA)

Chairperson: Ms Sylvia Lim

Rapporteur: Miss Cheng Li Hui

Brunei Darussalam

1 Ms Siti Rozaimeriyanty Haji Abdul Rahman

2 Ms Nik Hafimi Abdul Haadi

3 Miss Khairunnisa Haji Ash'ari

Cambodia

1 Mrs Mean Som An

2 Mrs Khoun Khun Dy

Indonesia

1 Dr Nurhayati Ali Assegaf

2 Mrs Kartika Yudhisti

3 Mrs Amelia Anggraini

4 Mrs Endang S. Handayani

Lao PDR

1 Dr Phonephet Boupha

2 Mrs Thatsadaphone Sengsouliya

Malaysia

1 Mrs Kasthuriraani Patto

2 Mrs Hajah Natrah Ismail

3 Datin Mastura Binti Mohd Yazid

4 Dato’ Hajah Hanifah Hajar Taib

5 Datuk Wira Hajah Mas Ermieyati Binti Samsudin

H2

Myanmar

1 Mrs Pyone Kathy Naing

2 Ms Htoot May

Philippines

1 Mrs Rose Marie J. Arenas

2 Mrs Mercedes K. Alvarez

3 Mrs Evelina G. Escudero

4 Mrs Elisa T. Kho

5 Ms Maria Lourdes R. Aggabao

6 Ms Maria Lourdes Acosta-Alba

Singapore

1 Ms Tin Pei Ling

2 Ms Rahayu Mahzam

3 Ms Joan Pereira

Thailand

1 Mrs Bilaibhan Sampatisiri

2 Mrs Saowanee Suwannacheep

3 Khunying Songsuda Yodmani

Vietnam

1 Mrs Le Thu Ha

2 Mrs Mai Thi Phuong Hoa

3 Mrs Dinh Thi Phuong Lan

4 Mrs Dang Thi My Huong

H3

COMMITTEE ON POLITICAL MATTERS

Chairperson: Dr Teo Ho Pin

Rapporteur: Ms Rahayu Mahzam

Brunei Darussalam


2 Mr Pg Haji Ali Pengiran Maon

Cambodia

1 Mr Yang Sem

Indonesia

1 Dr Fadli Zon

2 Ms Nurhayati Ali Assegaf

3 Mr Jazuli Juwaini

Lao PDR

1 Prof Dr Eksavang Vongvichit

2 Mr Viengthavisone Thephachanh

Malaysia

1 Dato’ Haji Mohd Rashid bin Hasnon


3 Mr Syed Ibrahim Bin Syed Noh

4 Mr Awang Bin Hashim

5 Mr Hasanuddin Bin Mohd Yunus

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7

Datuk Megat Zulkarnain Tan Sri Datuk Wira Omardin

Mr Nur Azman Abdul Rahmin

Myanmar

1 Mr Su Su Lwin

2 Mr Zaw Thein

Philippines

1 Mr Jesulito A. Manalo

2 Mr Jorge T. Almonte

Singapore

1 Mr Vikram Nair

2 Mr Desmond Choo

3 Mr Muhd Faisal Manap

H4

Thailand

1 Assoc. Prof. Taweesak Suthakavatin

2 ADM Saksith Cherdboonmuang

3 ADM Krisda Charoenpanich

4 Mr Thani Onlahiad

Vietnam

1 Mr Nguyen Van Giau

2 Mr Nguyen Minh Duc

3 Mr Hoang Thanh Tung

4 Mr Don Tuan Phong

H5

COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC MATTERS

Chairperson: Mr Liang Eng Hwa

Rapporteur: Mr Chong Kee Hiong

Brunei Darussalam


2 Mr Ong Tiong Oh

Cambodia

1 Mr Prak Cham Roeun

2 Mr Khieu Muth

Indonesia

1 Mr Juliari P. Batubara


3 Mr Abdul Kadir Karding

Lao PDR

1 Dr Vilayvong Bouddakham

2 Mr Bounpone Sisoulath

Malaysia

1 Mr Nga Kor Ming

2 Mr Wong Chen

3 Mr Akmal Nasrullah Bin Mohd Nasir

Myanmar

1 Mr Naing Htoo Aung

2 Mr Bo Bo Oo

Philippines



3 Mr Rodrigo A. Abellanosa

Singapore

1 Ms Foo Mee Har

2 Mr Melvin Yong

3 Ms K Thanaletchimi

H6

Thailand


2 Ms Orajit Singkalavanich

3 Assoc Prof Sarana Boonbaichaiyapruck

Vietnam

1 Mr Duong Quoc Anh

2 Mr Nguyen Huu Quang

H7

COMMITTEE ON SOCIAL MATTERS

Chairperson: Dr Lim Wee Kiak

Rapporteur: Mr Henry Kwek

Brunei Darussalam


2 Mr Haji Ramli Haji Lahit

Cambodia

1 Mrs Mean Som An

2 Mrs Khoun Khun Dy

Indonesia


Lao PDR


2 Mr Amphay Chitmanonh

Malaysia



3 Mr Muslimin Bin Yahaya

4 Mr Khoo Poay Tiong

6 Datuk Sambanthan Manickam

Myanmar

1 Prof Than Win

2 Mr Zar Ni Min

Philippines

1 Ms Evelina G. Escudero

2 Mr Robert Ace S. Barbers



Singapore

1 Mr Ang Hin Kee

2 Mr Pritam Singh

3 Ms Chia Yong Yong

H8

Thailand

1 ACM Chuchart Boonchai

2 Mr Kittisak Rattanavaraha


4 Dr Thamrong Dasananjali

Vietnam

1 Mr Nguyen Hoang Mai

2 Mr Nguyen Van Tuyet


H9

COMMITTEE ON ORGANISATIONAL MATTERS

Chairperson: Mr Lim Biow Chuan

Rapporteur: Mr Darryl David

Brunei Darussalam

1 Pehin Dato Haji Abdul Ghani Haji Abdul Rahim

2 Pehin Dato Haji Hasrin Haji Sabtu

Cambodia

1 Mr Chhit Kim Yeat

Indonesia


2 Mr Sudiro Asno

Lao PDR

1 Mr Thanta Kongphaly

2 Mrs Vanpheng Keonakhone

Malaysia

1 Mr Ahmad Bin Hassan

2 Datuk Wira Mas Ermieyati Binti Samsudin

Myanmar

1 Ms Htoot May

2 Dr Win Myint

Philippines

1 Mr Raneo E. Abu


3 Mrs Elisa T. Kho

Singapore

1 Ms Tin Pei Ling

2 Mr Zainal Sapari

Thailand

1 Mr Anusart Suwanmongkol

2 ACM Chanat Ratana-ubol

3 Mrs Kanjanaratt Leevirojana

H10

Vietnam

1 Mr Vu Hai Ha

2 Mrs Le Thu Ha


H11

COMMITTEE ON JOINT COMMUNIQUE

Chairperson: Mr Charles Chong

Rapporteur: Mr Vikram Nair

Brunei Darussalam


Cambodia

1 Mr Chhit Kim Yeat

Indonesia


Lao PDR



Malaysia


2 Mr Wong Chen

Myanmar

1 Mr Zaw Thein

2 Mr Aung Kyi Nyunt

Philippines

1 Mr Raneo E. Abu

2 Mrs Evelina G. Escudero


Singapore

1 Mr Lim Biow Chuan

2 Dr Teo Ho Pin

3 Mr Liang Eng Hwa

4 Dr Lim Wee Kiak

5 Ms Sylvia Lim

Thailand




H12

Vietnam

1 Mr Vu Hai Ha

2 Mr Duong Quoc Anh

3 Mr Nguyen Hoang Mai

4 Mrs Le Thu Ha

5 Mr Don Tuan Phong

H13

PANELS FOR DIALOGUE WITH OBSERVER PARLIAMENTS

DIALOGUE WITH AUSTRALIA

Chairperson: Ms Foo Mee Har

Rapporteur: Mr Darryl David

Australia

1 Mr Scott Ryan

2 Mr Steve Georganas

Brunei Darussalam


Cambodia

1 Mr Chhit Kim Yeat

Indonesia

1 Mr Juliari P. Batubara

Lao PDR



Malaysia


2 Mr Syed Ibrahim bin Syed Noh

Myanmar


2 Dr Win Myint

Philippines

1 Mr Raneo E. Abu

Singapore

1 Mr Henry Kwek

2 Mr Saktiandi Supaat

Thailand



H14

Vietnam


H15

DIALOGUE WITH BELARUS

Chairperson: Mr Teo Ser Luck

Rapporteur: Mr Louis Ng

Belarus

1 Mr Dmitry Shevtsov

Brunei Darussalam


Cambodia

1 Mrs Khoun Khun Dy

Indonesia


Lao PDR



Malaysia


2 Mr Awang Hashim

Myanmar

1 Ms Htoot May

Philippines


Singapore

1 Mr Yee Chia Hsing

Thailand

1 Adm Krisda Charoenpanich

2 Mr Kittisak Rattanavaraha

Vietnam

1 Mr Nguyen Van Tuyet

H16

DIALOGUE WITH CANADA

Chairperson: Mr Ang Hin Kee

Rapporteur: Ms Rahayu Mahzam

Canada

1 Mr Terry Sheehan

2 Mr Mohamed-Iqbal Ravalia

Brunei Darussalam


Cambodia

1 Mr Khieu Muth

Indonesia



Lao PDR


2 Ms Anyphet Keola

Malaysia

1 Datuk Liew Vui Keong


Myanmar


Philippines


Singapore

1 Mr Ang Wei Neng

2 Dr Intan Azura Mokhtar

Thailand

1 Adm Saksith Cherdboonmuang


H17

Vietnam

1 Mr Nguyen Van Giau

H18

DIALOGUE WITH THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

Chairperson: Mr Desmond Choo

Rapporteur: Ms Joan Pereira

European Parliament

1 Mr Werner Langen

2 Ms Neena Gill

3 Mr Richard Ashworth

Brunei Darussalam


Cambodia

1 Mr Yang Sem

Indonesia

1 Dr Nurhayati Ali Assegaf

2 Dr Jazuli Juwaini

Lao PDR



Malaysia

1 Mr Wong Chen


3 Datuk Megat Zulkarnain Tan Sri Datuk Wira Omardin

Myanmar

1 Mrs Su Su Lwin

2 Mr Bo Bo Oo

Philippines

1 Mr Rodrigo A. Abellanosa

Singapore

1 Mr Sitoh Yih Pin

2 Mr Dennis Tan

Thailand



H19

Vietnam


H20

DIALOGUE WITH INDIA

Chairperson: Mr Gan Thiam Poh

Rapporteur: Mr Melvin Yong

India

1 Mr Kirti Vardhan Singh

Brunei Darussalam



Cambodia

1 Mrs Mean Som An

Indonesia


2 Mr Sudiro Asno

Lao PDR


Malaysia

1 Datuk Wira Hajah Mas Ermieyati Binti Samsudin

2 Mr Hasanuddin Bin Mohd Yunus

3 Datuk Sambanthan Manickam

Myanmar

1 Prof Than Win

2 Mr Zar Ni Min

Philippines



Singapore

1 Mr Chong Kee Hiong

Thailand


2 Ms Orajit Singkalavanich

H21

Vietnam


H22

DIALOGUE WITH JAPAN

Chairperson: Dr Intan Azura Mokhtar

Rapporteur: Mr Dennis Tan

Japan

1 Mr Motome Takisawa

2 Mr Hirofumi Takinami

3 Mr Hirotaka Ishikawa

Brunei Darussalam



Cambodia

1 Mrs Mean Som An

Indonesia

1 Dr Jazuli Juwaini

2 Mr Jon Erizal

Lao PDR


Malaysia

1 Dato’ Haji Mohd Rashid bin Hasnon


Myanmar


2 Mr Zar Ni Min

Philippines


Singapore

1 Mr Louis Ng

Thailand

1 Mrs Saowanee Suwannacheep 2 Ms Orajit Singkalavanich

3 Mr Kittisak Rattanawaraha

H23

Vietnam


H24

DIALOGUE WITH THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA

Chairperson: Mr Liang Eng Hwa

Rapporteur: Ms K Thanaletchimi

People’s Republic of China

1 Mr He Yiting

2 Ms Wei Lv

Brunei Darussalam

1 Mr Ong Tiong Oh

Cambodia


Indonesia

1 Mr Jon Erizal

Lao PDR


Malaysia

1 Mr Nga Kor Ming

2 Mr Khoo Poay Tiong

Myanmar

1 Mr Zaw Thein

2 Mr Aung Kyi Nyunt

Philippines

1 Mrs Elisa T. Kho

Singapore

1 Mr Seah Kian Peng

Thailand

1 Mrs Kanjanaratt Leevirojana 2 Assoc Prof Taweesak Suthakavatin

Vietnam


H25

DIALOGUE WITH THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA

Chairperson: Mr Pritam Singh

Rapporteur: Ms Chia Yong Yong

Republic of Korea

1 Mr Yang Seog Cheong

2 Mr Soo Hyuck Lee

Brunei Darussalam

1 Mr Ong Tiong Oh


Cambodia


Indonesia



Lao PDR


Malaysia


2 Mrs Natrah Ismail

Myanmar

1 Mrs Su Su Lwin

2 Mr Bo Bo Oo

Philippines


Singapore

1 Mr Chong Kee Hiong

Thailand

1 ACM Chanat Ratana-Ubol

2 Assoc Prof Taweesak Suthakavatin

H26

Vietnam


H27

DIALOGUE WITH RUSSIA

Chairperson: Mr Seah Kian Peng

Rapporteur: Mr Muhd Faisal Abdul Manap

Russia

1 Mr Stepan Zhiriakov

2 Mr Aleksei Chepa

3 Mr Georgii Karlov

4 Mr Rafail Zinurov

Brunei Darussalam


Cambodia

1 Mr Yang Sam

Indonesia

1 Mr Juliari P Batubara


Lao PDR



Malaysia

1 Mr Wong Chen


3 Mr Awang Hashim

Myanmar

1 Prof Than Win

2 Mr Win Myint

Philippines


Singapore

1 Mr Teo Ser Luck

2 Miss Cheng Lee Hui

H28

Thailand



Vietnam

1 Mr Nguyen Minh Duc

H29

DIALOGUE WITH TIMOR LESTE

Chairperson: Mr Sitoh Yih Pin

Rapporteur: Mr Saktiandi Supaat

Timor Leste

1 Ms Maria Angelina Lopes Sarmento

Brunei Darussalam


2 Mr Pg Haji Ali Pengiran Maon

Cambodia

1 Mrs Khoun Khun Dy

Indonesia


2 Mr Sudiro Asno

Lao PDR



Malaysia

1 Mr Muslimin Bin Yahaya


Myanmar

1 Ms Htoot May


Philippines

1 Mrs Elisa T. Kho

Singapore

1 Mr Gan Thiam Poh

Thailand

1 Adm Saksith Cherdboonmuang


3 Adm Krisada Charoenpanich

H30

Vietnam


ANNEX I

STATEMENTS BY LEADERS OF DELEGATIONS OF AIPA

MEMBER PARLIAMENTS

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STATEMENT BY PEHIN DATO ABDUL RAHMAN BIN MOHAMED TAIB,

LEADER OF DELEGATION FOR BRUNEI DARUSSALAM AT THE FIRST PLENARY SESSION

ON 4 SEPTEMBER 2018

Bismillahh-Rahmannir Rahim

Assalamualikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh and Good Morning

His Excellency Mr. Tan Chuan-Jin, The Speaker of the Parliament of Singapore, and President of the 39th General Assembly of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA).

Your Excellency Speakers of Parliament, Honorable Secretary General of AIPA, Honorable Heads of Delegation and Parliamentarians of AIPA Member Parliaments, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen.

It is with great honor and privilege for me and my delegation to be here in the beautiful, fast-paced city of Singapore. I wish to express my heartfelt appreciation to the Parliament of Singapore for the excellent arrangement and warm hospitality accorded to the Brunei Darussalam delegation.

I would, like to take this opportunity to congratulate Your Excellency Mr. President for hosting the 39th General Assembly of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly and to further congratulate the Government of Singapore for becoming the chairman of the ASEAN Summit this year.

Mr. President,

The theme of the 39th General Assembly of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly this year: “Towards a Resilient and Innovative Community”, prompts an expectation for AIPA to convey a mandate representing the voices of the people and ensure inclusive and equitable quality of lives of the people we represent. The theme is in tandem with the theme of this year’s ASEAN Summit which fortifies our ceaseless commitment and continued support towards ASEAN agendas. Issues in promoting economic development, improving people's welfare and security challenges, and technological advances are global agenda that will be deliberated in the committees of WAIPA, Political, Economics and Socials by the parliamentarians of AIPA. However, it is essential to note that any decision made, shall adhere to a mutual respect within the sphere of AIPA that is compliant and is adherent to AIPA statutes and ASEAN pillars. Brunei Darussalam will continuously support AIPA's aspirations to achieve peace and security of the people in the region, and ensuring that the best practices are cultivated from learning through each nation’s successes.

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Mr. President,

AIPA has undertaken collective effort to ensure the people’s hardships can be heard, and call upon the ASEAN government to review the merits in pursuing the policy. Regional Parliamentary workshops, forums and meetings were conducted by AIPA aimed to evaluate and harmonise the law wherever possible and necessary. A recent example of this is the recent Regional Parliamentary Workshop on Strengthening Legal Frameworks to Protect Children from Sexual Exploitation in Travel and Tourism held recently in Bali. This demonstrated our commitment and responsibility to face challenges arisen from the development of the tourism industry, especially its consequences to children. Brunei Darussalam in principle supports the work of AIPA Advisory Council on Dangerous Drugs that was convened for the first time, hosted by Parliament of Singapore. As the legislative body, we have to be meticulous in addressing illicit drug activities and mitigate its negative consequences for future generations which is aligned with the ASEAN work plan on securing communities against illicit drugs 2016-2025.

Furthermore, we also recognise our dialogue partner countries whom have provided AIPA with some support in the effort to share opinions and assistance in the perspective of regional and international cooperation. This is a perfect platform and opportunity for AIPA to learn and study their experiences, as well as to exchange ideas that focuses on the proliferation of political, economic and social integration. These have resulted in unprecedented growth that benefits AIPA greatly.

AIPA has grown into a more mature organisation and, as expected, continue to face an array of challenges. We have been assembling every year to discuss various matters and issues with intent to identify the best possible solution to these problems. Though our constitutions are different, we stand united to assert AIPA’s relevance and to collaborate with ASEAN governments in initiating real change that constitutes One vision One Identity One Community. Thus, it is important that we fulfill our national and collective responsibilities to implement this vision and understand our people’s hopes and dreams for a better life.

Mr. President,

Along with this remarkable journey, The General Assembly of AIPA has managed to adopt many resolutions facing crucial challenges related to political, economic and social issues. Nevertheless, we have to progress from an era of passive growth and fulfill our people’s hopes and dreams. AIPA shall continuously be active in supporting any cause towards ASEAN’s vision in forging high quality and mutually beneficial economic agreements to strengthen resilience for future generations.

In conclusion, I wish The 39th General Assembly of AIPA held in this beautiful city of Singapore great success that will realize “Towards a Resilient and Innovative Community”.

Thank you.

Wabillahi Taufik Walhidayah Wassalammualikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh

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STATEMENT BY MR TEP NGORN, LEADER OF DELEGATION FOR CAMBODIA

AT THE FIRST PLENARY SESSION ON 4 SEPTEMBER 2018

HE Mr Tan Chuan-Jin, President of AIPA and Speaker of the Parliament of Singapore, Leaders of the Delegations and Members of the AIPA Delegations, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen.

It is my great honour and pleasure to attend the 39th General Assembly of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) hosted by the Parliament of Singapore. In this special occasion, I would like to express my sincere thanks for the warm welcome and friendly hospitality by the people, the government and the Parliament of Singapore.

Indeed, the theme "Towards a Resilient and Innovative Community " is crucial and closely linked to the current regional and global context that is changing fast in political, socioeconomic, security dimensions and the rapid development of technology.

ASEAN continues to grow strongly in terms of trade and economy and stands firm with its development. It has become a dynamic community expanding market regionally and globally. At the same time, we are facing multiple challenges that pose threats to trade, security, environment, poverty and drug issues, and especially the escalation of protectionism and geopolitical competitions. In this context, it is necessary that we work together to deepen our cooperation against these impediments.

To face the protectionism, ASEAN needs to continue maintaining its balance based on fundamental principles of mutual respect for independence, sovereignty, equality and noninterference by regular consultations, deepening dialogues and promoting the principle of consensus-based decision-making.

Cambodia highly appreciates the Parliament of Singapore for choosing the theme "Towards a Resilient and Innovative Community " which is in consistency with the vision of ASEAN's leaders. This theme reflects the political wills and commitments of ASEAN toward building an open, transparent, accountable, and people-centered community especially youth responding to the opportunities provided by technological development and innovation through digital connectivity.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen. Growing protectionism and trade war, especially between leading economic powerhouses have caused negative impacts on global economic growth. It is unlikely that ASEAN can escape from the impacts of this trade war.

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In the context of the ongoing trade war, ASEAN needs to fight against protectionist trends by further promoting trade liberalization and deepening regional integration through addressing main challenges including non-tariff measures (NTMs), trade facilitation measures and the implementation of the ASEAN Single Window (ASW). In this spirit, Parliamentarians should urge their respective governments to accelerate the negotiation to conclude the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) by the end of 2018 and continue promoting negotiation on Free Trade Agreement with the European Union.

The advancement of technology also causes concerns despite the fact that we have harnessed a lot of benefits from technology for socio-economic development. Criminals have exploited Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs) for terrorist and criminal purposes disseminating information that affect national security, culture and tradition spreading extremist ideologies. The Cambodian Parliament supports the ASEAN Leader's Statement on Cyber-security Cooperation adopted during the 32nd ASEAN Summit in Singapore and AIPA's resolutions related to this issue.

To realize its vision, ASEAN needs to continue strengthening education sector and skill development; investing on physical infrastructure, especially transportation and telecommunications; supporting research and development (R&D); and creating a conducive environment for Foreign Direct Investments. At the same time, ASEAN needs to further promote cultural and people-to-people exchanges especially youth.

Concerning climate change and global warming, Cambodia has made active contributions toward climate change issues at national and regional levels. Climate change is a common concern of ASEAN and the world. The Cambodian Parliament fully supports ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response and ASEAN's Statement on One ASEAN, One Response: ASEAN Responding to Disasters as One in the Region and Outside the Region.

In addition, I would like to propose to AIPA parliamentarians to improve consultation mechanisms within the AIPA framework in order to build effective and efficient legislations protecting the interests and rights of the people.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen. Taking this opportunity, I would like to inform that Cambodia has successfully completed its sixth General Elections in a free, fair and non-violent manner. It has been supported highly by international observers and the Cambodian people. There were 83.02 percent of Cambodian registered voters went to vote.

The large number of voter turnout is unprecedented in the history of Cambodia's elections. This reflects the will of the Cambodian people.

Cambodia is committed to firmly respecting the Constitution, the Principles of Liberal Democracy and Pluralism, Respect of Human Rights and the Rule of Law in Cambodia. Cambodia will strive to maintain peace in order to contribute to development and stability in the region. The new Parliament and the new government of the Kingdom of Cambodia will continue the cooperation with countries in the region and the world for common interests on the basis of equality, rights, respect for sovereignty and non-interference.

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I wish to thank, the President of AIPA, Heads and members of Delegation, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen for your kind attention. May the AIPA 39th General Assembly proceed with a fruitful deliberation.

Thank you very much!

I6




STATEMENT BY MR BAMBANG SOESATYO, LEADER OF DELEGATION FOR

INDONESIA AT THE FIRST PLENARY SESSION

ON 4 SEPTEMBER 2018

وبركاته هللا ورحمة عليكم السالم

Good Afternoon, May peace be upon you, Excellency Speaker of the Parliament of Singapore and President of the 39thAIPA General

Assembly, Mr. Tan Chuan-Jin; Excellencies Speakers of Parliaments and Honourable Heads of Delegations; SecretaryGeneral of AIPA; Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

At the outset, on behalf of the House of Representatives of the Republic of Indonesia allow me to express my heartfelt gratitude to the Parliament and people of Singapore for the warm welcome and hospitality during the 39thGeneral Assembly of AIPA.

The theme of this year’s General Assembly, “Towards a Resilient and Innovative Community”, is particularly relevant to ASEAN. After more than 50 years of its transformation, ASEAN has been able to achieve high competitiveness and positive economic growth while maintaining regional peace amidst the global dynamics. It is a challenging task considering diverse features of countries in South East Asia in terms of economy, culture, religions and level of democracy.

Positive development has taken place since the commencement of ASEAN Community Roadmap which includes Blueprints of ASEAN Political-Security Community, ASEAN Economic Community and Social-Cultural ASEAN Community in 2009. Such positive development brought the region to the establishment of ASEAN Economic Community in 2015. However, we must not be easily complacent with the progress as we havemuch work to do to maximize the ASEAN’s potential to become a strong community to effectively respond to challenges while also maintaining stability and peace in the region.

The future of ASEAN depends on the ability to seize opportunities and face challenges while also maintaining centrality of ASEAN. Involvement of all stakeholders to take coordinated efforts to strengthen cooperation in the regionhas become a fundamental requirement. In this regard, AIPA as a legitimate representative of the people of ASEAN is in the strategic position to realize the ASEAN Vision 2025 through the framework of the establishment of constitutional mandate of legislation, budget approval and oversight implementation.

Honourable Members of AIPA Parliaments,

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A strong community means a community that can cope with turbulence at internal level in the region and global levels. Speaking about turbulence, on this wonderful opportunity, allow me to extend my profound gratitude for the considerable attention shown by our neighbouring ASEAN countries when an environmental turbulence occurred, a powerful earthquake that hit Lombok and its surrounding areas. We are very certain that the recovery process and reconstruction of the areas affected by the catastrophe will be smooth with the support from our brothers in ASEAN.

Indonesia is fully aware of its geographic condition as an archipelagic country. It is situated in four tectonic plates which have extending volcanic belt. Such condition leads to a consequence which is prone to earthquake. Water covers most of Indonesian territories. A movement of tectonic plate along the subduction and other seismic zones beneath the sea can trigger tidal wave and tsunami.

Therefore, Indonesia is committed to improving its capacity in disaster risk reduction, mitigation and preparedness, both at the national and local levels. Furthermore, disaster risk reduction measures have also been prioritised in the country’s development plan agenda. This is evident in the integration of disaster risk reduction agenda into the formulation of regulatory framework as well as implementing mechanism of the development agenda, which include the National Medium Term Development Plan and National Long Term Development Plan.

The Southeast Asia as a sub-region within the one of the most prone to natural disasters regions, the Asia Pacific, needs to also build its disaster resilience, including through the integration of disaster risk reduction agenda into the ASEAN development plan.

Considering the varying capacity and resources for disaster management among ASEAN member countries, Indonesia will continue to call upon strengthened collaboration in the region, both in providing a means of implementation and tools, to improve disaster management capacity.

The signing of ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response (AADMER) has opened a new chapterto reorganize and strengthen cooperation after the 2004 tsunami. In this regard, Indonesia continues to support the investment and capacity building in humanitarian aid at national, regional and global levels. We also support efforts to increase effectiveness and accountability in organizing humanitarian assistance.

Indonesia fully supports the commitment to implement “ASEAN Declaration on One ASEAN One Response: ASEAN Responding to Disasters as One in the Region and Outside the Region, an initiative declared by ASEAN Leaders in 2016. At the global level, we encourage the international community, UN specialised agencies, and other organisations to support national capacity building programs in the effort of building disaster resilience and risk reduction, all the way down to the local community level.


ASEAN has been able to create an economic ecosystem through the implementation of ASEAN Economic Community in 2015. Amidst uncertain global economy, ASEAN has been able to record average economic growth of 4,7 %. Even some of ASEAN member countries have been able to maintain their economic growth above global average growth which is projected at 3,9%. However, as people-centred and people-oriented region, we must continue to strive for an even distribution of economic growth. We do not want to see any gap between one country and the others. The success of a region in creating the economic ecosystem must be accompanied by efforts to create a welfare ecosystem. Efforts in the region must be based on inclusive growth as

I8

ASEAN Vision must be implemented in parallel to efforts to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In relation to SDGs, I would like to kindly remind AIPA Member Parliaments, Observers and Guest of the Host on the World Parliamentary Forum on Sustainable Development in September 2018. Indonesia is proud to host this Forum for the second time and we are looking forward to welcome you all to Bali.

Today, a shift of world economy is taking place. Financial market volatility, growing risk of trade dispute and fast-growing digital technology are presenting huge challenges. This is the time when the resilience of ASEAN’s economic ecosystem is tested. And we must be able to respond to such challenges by creating stability and managing risks. We must use our growth momentum to improve policy framework.

Trade tensions among world powers must be responded wisely. Despite minimum direct impact to ASEAN Gross Domestic Product, the global consequences of the trade war must be mitigated. Amidst the surge of the growing protectionism, economic integration through intra-ASEAN trade is needed. In addition, ASEAN could pursue a wider scope of economic integration; one of the ways to do it is through Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). ASEAN needs the acceleration of RCEP negotiation. It will open an opportunity for economic cooperation among the 16 member countries and make contribution to 30% of the world’s Gross Domestic Product.

The fast-growing digital technology has made digital economy and electronic trade inseparable parts of the future of ASEAN economy. In this respect, ASEAN must be able to maintain equality and healthy competition for electronic and conventional business players. Entering the 4th industrial revolution era, we are facing digital literacy and connectivity problems. As parliamentarians, we must provide legislation, budgeting and oversight supports in the development of infrastructure and connectivity between regions for the implementation of the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity 2025. Support for the growth of digital technology is expected to encourage innovations in the region. The support is needed to prepare competitiveness in the region in facing disruption of technology innovation that will subsequently make impact on economic, social and political order in all countries.


Ideally, innovation is not only applied outside of the AIPA institution. The dynamic global development will certainly touch the institutional system of AIPA. As people’s representatives, we owe to our constituencies the fulfillment of their human rights as specified in the commitment of the ASEAN Charter: “To strengthen democracy, enhance good governance and the rule of law, and to promote and protect human rights”. If we are serious in building ASEAN, which is people-focused and people-centered, the fulfillment of human rights will undoubtedly be realized. We cannot deny the persisting humanitarian crises in the region that require our collective attention and support. It is an on-going crises that has made thousands of people flee their home, becoming refugee and attract the global attention. Therefore, Indonesia fully support every constructive engagement to achieve peace, stability, rule of law, full and integrated reconciliation, and ensure just and sustainable development across the region.

AIPA must be able to offer new solution and must not be against reform to meet the region’s dynamics. It is the time for AIPA to improve and renew its decision-making system so that the resolutions produced will faithfully reflect the region’s need. In addition, those resolutions will not be merely attachments of delegation’s report to the Annual General Assembly.

Distinguished Parliamentarians,

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It has been a joint commitment to make ASEAN as an outward-looking region within the global community, while also maintaining the centrality of ASEAN. In maintaining its centrality, unity and sense of belonging among ASEAN citizens are key requirement. We have identified that inadequate awareness and understanding on ASEAN are the significant barriers that will delay the process of regional integration. A strong and innovative ASEAN Community needs the involvement of all ASEAN citizens.

Apart from the difference of political system or the size of our constituency, parliamentarians must see themselves as the agent of change. The inclusivity of ASEAN Community depends on efforts of parliamentarians to reach out to their constituencies and spread awareness on their position as ASEAN citizens while also building their capacity as key players in regional integration.

There will not be a community without people; therefore, people’s interest must become the heart of the ASEAN Vision 2025.

I believe in AIPA’s future. AIPA will continue to improve as inter-parliamentary organization that is capable to address future challenges as the region continues to develop.

Allow to me to close my statement with a short poem. From all over the world, we are in Singapore No need to have our visas scanned Although challenges are not to ignore Hand in hand, AIPA, yes we can!

Thank you. Wassalamu’alaikumWr. Wb.

I10




STATEMENT BY MADAME PANY YATHOTOU, LEADER OF DELEGATION FOR THE

LAO PEOPLE’S DEMOCRACTIC REPUBLIC AT THE FIRST PLENARY SESSION

ON 4 SEPTEMBER 2018

Your Excellency Tan Chuan-Jin, AIPA President and Speaker of the Parliament of Singapore, Honourable Speakers, Heads of Delegation of AIPA Member Parliaments, Heads of Delegation of Observer Parliaments, Fellow AIPA Parliamentarians, Secretary-General of AIPA, Representatives of ASEAN Secretariat, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen.

On behalf of the Lao National Assembly and on my own behalf, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to H.E. Tan Chuan-Jin, AIPA President and Speaker of the Parliament of Singapore for the invitation extended to the delegation of the Lao National Assembly to the 39th General Assembly of AIPA as well as the warm hospitality accorded to us since our arrival in this beautiful Singapore. I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate the Parliament, Government and people of the Republic of Singapore for assuming ASEAN Chairmanship in general and especially, the excellent arrangements made for our Meeting today.

On behalf of Lao Delegation, I would like to take this opportunity to express our deepest thanks and sincere gratitude to the Government and the people of Singapore as well as ASEAN family, ASEAN’s dialogue partners, and regional and international organizations for the sympathy and humanitarian assistance extended to the people and Government of the Lao PDR, particularly to those affected by the collapse of the saddle dam of the Xe Pien-Xe Namnoy hydropower project in Sanamxay district, Attapeu province in Lao PDR on 23 July 2018. This is a clear demonstration of a genuine spirit of caring, solidarity and encouragement extended to us to go through the hardest time.

Mr President, ASEAN has made considerable progress in deepening cooperation in regional economic integration and connectivity through the implementation of the ASEAN Community Vision 2025, thereby contributing to the maintenance and promotion of peace, stability, security and socioeconomic development, which has in turn led to the gradual improvement of the livelihood of the people. At the same time, the role and profile of ASEAN in both regional and international arena has been further enhanced and elevated which is reflected by the growing interests from other external parties, regional and international organizations alike to cooperate with ASEAN. This signifies the relevance of ASEAN.

Notwithstanding these achievements, regional and international landscapes continue to undergo complex changes with challenges, such as terrorism, refugee crisis, increasing natural disasters, environmental degradation, development gap, poverty and transnational crimes, all of

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which are a major hindrance to the development of humankind. They also posed direct and indirect negative impacts on the socio-economic development of ASEAN Member States, including Lao PDR as well as a major obstacle towards the realization of the ASEAN Community Vision 2025 and the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Against this backdrop, it calls on ASEAN as the driving force of regional, political and economic architecture to further deepen its cooperation, ASEAN Centrality and Unity in its external relations should be streghthen and uphold the aspiration and principles as stipulated in the ASEAN Charter which aim at promoting lasting peace, security and stability to ensure sustainable economic growth and social development.

Mr President, Fellow AIPA Parliamentarians, the Lao National Assembly supports the theme of the 39th AIPA General Assembly “Towards a Resilient and Innovative Community”, which is supportive to the realisation of the “ASEAN Leaders’ Vision for a Resilient and Innovative ASEAN” with a view to building ASEAN community that will serve as an important driving force for the implementation of various action plans as well as ASEAN Vision 2025. ASEAN Community can only become truly resilient and innovative when all ASEAN Member States become resilient and innovative. Thus, it is essential and necessary for ASEAN to intensify its cooperation in helping one another.

AIPA Member Parliaments, as representatives of the rights and interests of the people of ASEAN and as legislative body reaffirm our commitments and contribution towards the strengthening of ASEAN Community through supporting the development of our legislations in order to ensure the realization of policies and action plans of ASEAN, particularly those in the areas of science and technology and innovation, which can be applicable to economic development and social security. We must also work together to promote peace and security, counter terrorism, address unconventional forms of threats and transnational crimes, enable people and entrepreneurs to apply advanced technology and innovation in their productivity and services, ensuring economic growth. At the same time, efforts should be made towards the transformation of ASEAN Community into a dynamic, resilient and adaptable to external change as well as promoting competitiveness of the region.

Mr President, Lao PDR attaches great importance to the development of science, technology and innovation by adopting the National Strategic Plan on Science and Technology Development for the period 2013-2020 and Vision 2030 in response to the national development needs for industrialization and modernization of the nation, thereby contributing towards our continued national efforts to graduate from the Least Developed Country status in the early 2020s. At the same time, the Lao PDR has set an ambitious goal to achieve by 2030 the development and application of science, technology and innovation aimed at accelerating the national development.

The Government of Lao PDR has also promoted scientific research, development, and application of advanced technology by allocating budget, organising technology week exhibition and building scientific infrastructure aimed at enhancing capacities and knowledge of scientists through scientific research projects and applying the results of research in improving production and services.

In the immediate future, Lao PDR proritises scientific research and application of science and innovation in the areas of agricultural development, agro-processing and productivity enhancement, healthcare and renewable energy through numerous scientific research projects, namely, the studying of varieties of edible crops, medicinal plants, producing and testing of biofuel from used vegetable oil, developing a drying model for agricultural products with solar energy

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and biomass; applying a robot for clearing and terminating unexploded ordnance and among others.

In order to support the development and effective management of aforementioned projects, the Lao National Assembly has adopted a number of legislations related to science and technology and continues to strengthen our national efforts in the development of science and innovation in order to contribute to ASEAN collective efforts in building a resilient and innovative ASEAN community. Furthermore, the Lao National Assembly has endorsed a budget allocation to the Scientific Research Fund, which accounts for 1% of the annual government budget.

Mr President, Ladies and Gentlemen, in moving towards a resilient and innovative community in accordance with ASEAN Leaders’ Vision, we – the AIPA Member Parliaments – should further strengthen our cooperation in promoting scientific research and development, technology and innovation; enhancing public-private-partnership; and harmonizing regulatory legislations and policies related to science and technology by encouraging governments of ASEAN Member countries to translate Action Plan on Scientific Development into policies and regulations in a harmonised manner. We should continue to exchange with ASEAN’s external partners, to provide technical assistance to CLMV countries in order to narrow development gap and promote competitiveness, to disseminate scientific and technological innovation to people and entrepreneurs in order for them to apply such innovation into socio-economic development and improve the livelihood of peoples, thereby building a resilient community and moving forward together to a community of shared destiny where no one is left behind.

Finally, I would like to extend my best wishes to AIPA President, Heads of Delegations and all distinguished guests good health, happiness and great success in your noble tasks.

Thank you.

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STATEMENT BY DATO’ MOHAMAD ARIFF BIN MD YUSOF,

LEADER OF DELEGATION FOR MALAYSIA AT THE FIRST PLENARY SESSION

ON 4 SEPTEMBER 2018

His Excellency Mr. Tan Chuan-Jin, President of the 39th AIPA & Speaker of the Parliament of Singapore; Honourable Mr. Isra Sunthornvut, Secretary General of AIPA; Honourable Heads of Delegation; Honourable ASEAN Members of Parliament; Distinguished delegates from Observer Countries and Special Observers; Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen.

It is with great honour and pride to be here at the auspicious meeting of the 39th General Assembly of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) in this iconic Raffles City Convention Centre, Singapore. On behalf of the Malaysian delegates, allow me to precede my speech with a warm thank you to the host country for the hospitality accorded to me and my delegation.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

This year, Malaysia had its 14th General Election and for the first time after 61 years, Malaysia is now helmed by a new government led by the Pakatan Harapan coalition government. For many political analysts, the election was viewed as one of the most closely contested in Malaysia’s history since the country proclaimed its independence in 1957.

Like many large democracies in the world, Malaysia witnessed millions of citizens demonstrating for change by casting their votes in ballot boxes. Just as we had a peaceful journey for independence on August 1957 with the some courage, we witnessed a change in administration peacefully and democratically. This was also a showcase of multi-racial Malaysians carrying out their democratic responsibilities in ensuring a government for the people by the people. In fact, many political observers see the 14th General Election of Malaysia as a possible game changer in the Southeast Asia Region. One thing for sure, the Malaysian electorate clearly demonstrates a people’s indomitable will for change.

Moving forward, in order to repay people’s trust, it is now the time for the new administration to deliver on its promises. Hence, it is crucial for the new breed of politicians that have set foot in the parliament to continue to demonstrate a high degree of integrity, accountability, morality, dedication and commitment in working for the betterment of the people and the country. The members of parliament of the new administration have to continuously uphold rule of law, ensure good governance with transparency, conduct ourselves with dignity and ensure every community is treated equally and with equality. The new administration is

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currently working hard to ensure an inclusive policy-making process among all the stakeholders. This, I believe, would be coherent with the people’s desire for clean, democratic, innovative, resilient and trustworthy administration.


In line with the AIPA’s theme this year namely “Towards a Resilient and Innovative Community”, Malaysia has always been championing the principles of “togetherness and teamwork”.

Consultation and continuous engagement with people from all walks of life contributes in embedding core values, in matters relating to politics, security, economics, social and environmental issues. The open and inclusive process in decision-making contributes towards better implementation of plans and programmes that are designed for the society’s benefits and at the same time strengthens the credibility of the government of the day. Policy-makers must be aware of the demands for good governance, integrity, transparency and change, especially when formulating policies so that the policies are well suited to the demands, needs and aspiration of the people.

Therefore, parliamentarians are required to always equip themselves with the knowledge and understanding on the grass root needs and sentiments for better economic growth, social development, and environmental protection, and not just focus on political perspectives.

Apart from that, parliamentarians are also required to embrace and understand the impact of the 4th Industrial Revolution (4IR). In this fourth revolution, we are facing a range of new technologies that combine the physical, digital and biological worlds. These new technologies will impact all disciplines not only economies and industries, but also government. If parliamentarians and government agencies are too slow to adopt new technologies, we will fail to generate the efficiency gains needed to keep public services going which could lead in damaging the reputation of government.


ASEAN achieved an important milestone in 2015 with the formal establishment of ASEAN Community during Malaysia’s Chairmanship. ASEAN aspires for positive changes in the livelihood and wellbeing of its more than 635 million people through a process of deeper integration based on rules-based, people oriented, and people-centred ASEAN Community.

Looking ahead, the Concept of ASEAN Connectivity will emerge as an integral part in enhancing the ASEAN region as it will result in a more competitive and resilient region that integrates into the global economy within and beyond ASEAN.

The ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) is a prime example of how ASEAN is larger than the sum of its parts. Together, the ten diverse countries make up a dynamic and attractive economic group. ASEAN is implementing the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) Blueprint 2025, a document that outlines a roadmap for regional integration with the emphasis on a “people oriented, people-centred ASEAN”. The focus is on raising a higher standard of living, sustainable development and better opportunities for all.

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The participation and contribution of women in society is vital in building a resilient and innovative community building. With sufficient education and skills, women could play an immensely active role in traditional businesses and emerging industries. In furthering the inclusivity of women, it is also necessary for States to encourage more women to be included in the top levels of government administration, be it in the executive, the legislative assembly and the judiciary.

Women parliamentarians should embrace all available opportunity to inspire, to lead by example and harness the potential among women so that the inspiration to succeed becomes a reality. Such enablement and leadership from women to women and by women, would definitely foster more momentum for the empowerment women. The women parliamentarian could actively cultivate and motivate their sisters as well as monitor their development in given fields. Increased women participation and empowerment could also be expanded and extended through rigorous campaigns and imparting know-how and knowledge. Thus, women parliamentarians as leaders can play a more proactive role to initiative more interactive communication and involvement with other women in line with greater engagement with the public.


As I see it, the way forward for ASEAN to realize its goal of becoming a more resilient and innovative community is to look into the intervening variables that are key to ensure the prosperity and stability in this region, such as the application of laws, good leadership and consideration of our diversities, ethnicities, religions, cultures and traditions of its peoples and associated and legal frameworks.

Besides that, legislative empowerment, parliamentarian’s scrutiny and training, cooperation among the Member States and worldwide recognition of its institutions, are but some of the callings for a better and resilient ASEAN.

I also wish to highlight that while we are moving towards the creation of the ASEAN Community by 2025, the fact is awareness on ASEAN is still low among its own citizens despite the organizations 51 years of existence. It is noteworthy that many citizens of ASEAN, especially the youth, still lack proper knowledge of ASEAN and its purposes.

As we are well aware, creating an ASEAN community is not an easy task and it requires intensified efforts to raise public awareness on ASEAN. Hence, we as ASEAN Parliamentarians can play our role by promoting and enhancing public awareness on ASEAN in our own constituencies given the fact that we can execute this effort immediately.

ASEAN Member States should adopt and synergise a “Whole-of-Government Approach” which includes all peoples and stakeholders through proactive and continuous engagement, communication, coordination, cooperation, sharing and integration of actions for stronger legal frameworks and competent enforcement agencies. This also involves the capacity of the states’ administrative function to recommend and monitor available measures in handling state’s matters.


On another note, I hope it is not too late to congratulate AIFOCOM which is now an Advisory body and is known as AIPACODD through a “Resolution Transforming AIFOCOM into AIPA Council on Dangerous Drugs (AIPACODD) and Strengthening its Role and Mandate

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as a Parliamentary Tool to Combat Dangerous Drugs”, which was unanimously accepted during the 13th AIFOCOM Meeting in Manila, the Republic of Philippines in July 2017.

We are pleased to note that the 1st Meeting of the AIPACODD was convened in June 2018 in Singapore. The inaugural meeting of AIPACODD was a great step forward by the ASEAN parliamentarians, contributing towards ASEAN’s efforts to combat the drug menace in the region with the aim of achieving a drug-free ASEAN Community.

Congratulations…


ASEAN has entered its 51st year since its establishment. For half a century, ASEAN governments have worked together as a team, staying united though diversity and brought ASEAN to where it is today. This is a remarkable achievement, far exceeding what the founding leaders of ASEAN had imagined. Looking ahead, ASEAN must continue working hard to move forward, weather all challenges together and strive ever more for regional peace, security, stability and prosperity.

With that note, ladies and gentlemen, I look forward to a fruitful outcome of the Assembly.

Thank You.

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STATEMENT BY MR TUN TUN HEIN, LEADER OF DELEGATION FOR MYANMAR


His Excellency Mr Tan Chuan-Jin, President of AIPA and Speaker of the Parliament of Singapore, Excellencies Speakers and Members of Parliament, Honourable Secretary-General of AIPA, Distinguished delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen, Mingalabar.

It gives me great pleasure and honour to attend the 39th AIPA General Assembly on behalf of the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (Union Parliament) of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar. The Speaker and members of the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw extend their greetings to the President of AIPA and all the Speakers and members of Parliament present here at the Assembly.

The Delegation of Myanmar would like to express our sincere congratulations to the Parliament of Singapore for the excellent chairmanship of AIPA in the year 2018. Singapore is one of the most famous and beautiful City-State and also one of the most developed nations in the world. We do highly appreciate the warm hospitality extended to us throughout our visit to Singapore.

The theme of this Assembly “Towards a Resilient and Innovative Community” reflects the necessary actions for the members of AIPA, especially for the young parliament like Myanmar Parliament. It is also the reflection of the ASEAN Leader’s Vision for the effective implementation of the ASEAN Community Vision 2025.

As the distinguished parliamentarians are aware, the world has been facing many daunting challenges and climate of uncertainties for which ASEAN has no exception. Both the issues of peace and security and the non-traditional security threats are of importance. The threats of environmental degradation which causes climate change, extreme weather and extinction of biodiversity will lead to a disaster of our planet earth. No country can act alone.

The members of AIPA should be vigilant to address the emerging issues in realizing the resilient ASEAN Community, especially the ASEAN Political and Security Community (APSC) which is guided by the ASEAN Charter and the principles and purposes contained therein.

In order to tackle those challenges, the realization of economic integration in ASEAN by enhancing cooperation with the Dialogue Partners and the relevant stakeholders is of importance. The efforts of the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) in advancing the peaceful, inclusive, resilient, healthy and harmonious society should be encouraged.

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At present, the advancement of new technologies is amazing. The Fourth Industrial Revolution is transforming our lives. However, the developing countries cannot afford the new technologies and innovations arising from the digital revolution. As the momentum of the digital revolution is paramount, it is difficult for us to get the benefits of the new innovations. The sustainable development cannot be achieved in developing countries as the consequences of this trend.

Mr President, I would like to recall briefly on the reform of my country. In Myanmar, we are at the initial stage on the road to federal democracy. More than five decades, there was no parliamentary system in the country. In the 2010 Multi-Party General Elections, the National League for Democracy (NLD) Party did not participate for the unacceptable restrictions. After the 2012 by-election, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and members of the NLD party became MPs and the Hluttaw became more active with the opposition party. There were also a number of political parties including the national ethnic parties participating in the Hluttaw for the first time together.

The NLD won a landslide in the 2015 General Elections and the road to democracy has been started accordingly. The term of the NLD government and the Hluttaw have not yet been three years, however, we have tried our best to address all the challenges existing for many years. We have been facing many difficulties in changing the political, economic and social systems of the country. The deep-rooted issues such as corruption, violation of human rights and drug trafficking are handled by the highest level of authority. The complex issue of Rakhine State has been addressed intensively since the inception of the Government.

The Hluttaw, in its part, has been participating in the process of national consolidation, rule of law and peace in the country in addition to the main functions of legislation, representing and oversight. The enactment and amendment of nearly 100 laws to be in line with the present reform process have been carried out. People’s voice can be heard for the first time in the recent history. The transparency of the budget of the government is also the new development in the country.

We have tried our best for the country to be developed. The purposes of national reconciliation, national consolidation, democracy, and human rights have also been upheld. We are convinced that for the development of the country, a democratic system must be flourished and practised.

The Myanmar Hluttaw is looking forward to the understanding and cooperation of the ASEAN parliaments for the strengthening of the development of democracy in the country.

Thank you.

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STATEMENT BY MS ROSE MARIE J. ARENAS, LEADER OF DELEGATION FOR THE

PHILIPPINES AT THE FIRST PLENARY SESSION

ON 4 SEPTEMBER 2018

Your Excellency Tan Chuan-Jin, President of AIPA and Speaker of the Parliament of Singapore,

Your Excellencies Speakers of AIPA Member Parliaments;

Heads of AIPA Member Delegations and Observer Delegations; Secretary-General of AIPA;

Heads and Members of Guest of the Host Parliament;

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is my privilege to speak on behalf of the Philippine Delegation during this 39th AIPA General Assembly.

I wish to express our gratitude to our host, Singapore, for the warm welcome and hospitality.

Singapore’s theme of a resilient and innovative ASEAN is most timely given the rapid developments, complexities and security challenges we now face, not only in the region but around the world, such as cyber-threats, climate change, and violent extremism, to name some.

The partnership between the ASEAN and the AIPA is geared towards a "people-oriented and people-centered ASEAN" where our citizens are able to enjoy the fruits of democracy, good governance and economic development.

This is why our pursuit of a resilient and innovative ASEAN Community requires our collective re¬affirmation of key principles.

These principles include consultation and consensus, ASEAN Centrality, unity and solidarity, peace and security, investment in youth and the elderly, and sustainable and inclusive development.

Beyond our reaffirmation, we support concrete measures that ensure peace, stability, security and prosperity in the region and the promotion of our cultural and social values, such as the following:

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• enhancement of regional cooperation against terrorism,• establishment of an ASEAN agreement on e-commerce,• renewal of the Singapore-ASEAN Youth Fund, and• proposal to establish an ASEAN Centre towards promoting healthy and active

ageing.

These principles and concrete measures are brought to life through policy initiatives and key legislations, making ASEAN Member Parliaments, or the AIPA, a key instrument in realizing ASEAN goals.

Indeed, the AIPA has become an indispensable forum for the ASEAN to generate sustainable and responsive measures to further stabilize ASEAN's integration and development as a force in global community.

AIPA is integral to the ASEAN community-building process and sees itself as the legitimate representative of the ASEAN peoples.

The inclusion of more observer countries in the AIPA is clear indication of how actively engaged we are and how we are becoming a force to reckon with in the global forum.

I am confident that AIPA Member Parliaments will work together to strengthen our united front that will show a caring and sharing ASEAN that is prepared to overcome the challenges, ready to capture present and future opportunities, and firm in our faith in the region's positive prospects.

We hope that this year’s General Assembly will abound in opportunities for constructive dialogue and consultation on political, economic, social and security matters that affect our people.

Let me conclude this message by conveying our profound appreciation and gratitude to His Excellency Speaker Tan Chuan-Jin, for the friendship and kindness extended to all the AIPA delegates.

We wish us all a successful and productive General Assembly and, most of all, a peaceful, stable and prosperous ASEAN!

Thank you! Mabuhay!

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STATEMENT BY MR CHARLES CHONG, LEADER OF DELEGATION FOR SINGAPORE


Your Excellency Tan Chuan-Jin, Speaker of the Parliament of Singapore and President of AIPA, Distinguished colleagues, Ladies and Gentlemen.

AIPA and ASEAN as regional organisations have come a long way since their establishment. Last year, ASEAN turned 50 and we will be holding our 40th AIPA General Assembly next year in Thailand. The longevity of any organisation is determined by how it is able to consistently adapt to changing circumstances. Like ASEAN, AIPA has to be nimble and adapt to the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century. In this manner, AIPA can meaningfully contribute to the work of ASEAN. In recent times, there is a sense of renewal within AIPA. We renewed our AIPA Logo last year and this is the first AIPA General Assembly to showcase this new AIPA Logo. We have also transitioned from the AIPA Fact-Finding Committee to Combat the Drug Menace (AIFOCOM) to the AIPA Advisory Council on Dangerous Drugs (AIPACODD) which held its first meeting in Singapore in June this year.

While we take note of the progress made thus far, we must be mindful that there is work still to be done. We must continue to work hard to implement all three ASEAN Community Blueprints, so as to bring about concrete benefits for our peoples and uplift their quality of life. In the midst of external challenges, we must also reiterate the importance of ASEAN remaining united and upholding its centrality.

Our theme for AIPA this year focuses on building a resilient and innovative community. It mirrors the themes of “resilience” and “innovation” under Singapore’s ASEAN Chairmanship, with the aim of strengthening our collective resilience against growing trans-boundary threats like terrorism, climate change and cyber threats, and making use of technology and innovation as sources of growth and development in order to improve our peoples’ lives. As fellow AIPA parliamentarians would agree, this symbiosis with ASEAN reflects our common concerns and vision for the people of our respective countries and our close alignment to the longer term common goals of ASEAN.

On the ASEAN front, ASEAN Leaders have adopted a joint statement articulating a common vision for a Resilient and Innovative ASEAN. This statement articulates our assessment of the changing geopolitical and economic landscape. It sets out the key principles that underpin our collective vision and it affirms our commitment to build a Resilient and Innovative ASEAN for the future, and identifies concrete initiatives that ASEAN will undertake to realise this vision. These initiatives include the ASEAN Smart Cities Network and the ASEAN Leaders’ Statement on Cybersecurity Cooperation. To support these initiatives, Singapore has proposed draft

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resolutions on issues relating to these topics and AIPA legislators will be discussing them at our various Committee Meetings tomorrow. We look forward to fellow AIPA legislators’ support.

AIPA is a unique organisation that directly represents our peoples and provides the fundamental link between the peoples and the governments of ASEAN. Our yearly gathering provides a constructive platform for parliamentarians in this region and parliamentarians from our Observer countries to come together to discuss and exchange views, experiences and ideas. These discussions and exchanges will go a long way to strengthen our inter-parliamentary relations and cooperation in the ASEAN Community. It is also my hope and wish that having our discussion here and taking note of developments in the ASEAN, AIPA can also play a key role in translating ASEAN agreements into domestic action.

Our presence and the work we take upon here for the next two days is a testament to the resolve and commitment of ASEAN parliamentarians to remain unified in the face of geopolitical challenges and uncertainties. As we meet and discuss over the next few days, let us put in the forefront the aspirations and concerns of our peoples, and find common ground to work together so as to benefit all the people in ASEAN and contribute to the overall process of ASEAN integration.

Thank you.

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STATEMENT BY PROF PORNPETCH WICHITCHOLCHAI, LEADER OF DELEGATION

FOR THAILAND AT THE FIRST PLENARY SESSION

ON 4 SEPTEMBER 2018

President of AIPA, Heads of Delegations, Honorable parliamentarians, Mr. Secretary General, Distinguished guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

My warmest greetings to all fellow parliamentarians, it is a great pleasure and honour to take part in the 39th AIPA General Assembly this year in Singapore. On behalf of the Thai delegation, allow me to express my appreciation to Your Excellency, AIPA President and Speaker of the Parliament of Singapore, and to the people of Singapore, for the warm hospitality extended to us.

Every year, this General Assembly provides us an opportunity to share and exchange practices on mutual benefits for the people we represent. Throughout these years, our engagement through parliamentary dialogues have enhanced our friendship into strategic partnership. This setting is very much valuable and significant. As a result, I wish to see AIPA remains relevant and coherent by maintaining its flexible and constructive position for the new emerging threats such as terrorism, cyber-crime, human trafficking, effects from natural disasters and many other threats that threaten us beyond boundaries.

Speaking about effects from natural disasters, we have witnessed unprecedented calamities in our region during the past few months. One of the most prominent incidents was the rescue mission of a young football team trapped in a cave in Chiang Rai province, my heartfelt appreciation to all the global support and assistance. Not so long after, a dam collapsed in Attapeu province in Southern Laos causing up to 6,000 (six thousand) displaced citizens. In addition, a series of powerful earthquakes, 6.4 (six point four) and 6.9 (six point nine) magnitude hit a tourist island of Lombok and left massive damage with hundreds of dead and many casualties. These unpredicted events have taught us major lessons about disaster response and humanitarian measures on rescue missions. Furthermore, timely preparation for disaster management is crucial in coping with unpredicted events, therefore such tasks are worth a mountain to conquer.

President of AIPA, Fellow Parliamentarians, Ladies and Gentlemen,

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We are always talking about ASEAN connectivity, physical, institutional, and people-to-people linkages that can contribute towards a more competitive, inclusive ASEAN. Today, here in Singapore, I believe that we can do more about legislative connectivity. It does not mean that we all have to stay under one roof. Rather, as a legislative institution, we can share information and learn the good and the bad from our neighbours and our partners regarding approaches and experiences on legislative practice.

Speaking of which, this year one of our proposed draft resolutions is a draft resolution on the Collection and Exchange of Information on Laws of AIPA. The purpose of this draft resolution is to encourage each member parliament to develop and update its legal database and facilitate an access to laws in ASEAN to promote legal understanding and to strengthen and increase the competitiveness of ASEAN. By sharing common concerns and realizing differences and similarities, these lessons will bring us one step closer to achieving the role of parliamentary contribution to ASEAN integration and augment the realization of the ASEAN Community. This is the right time, my fellow parliamentarians, take advantage of this AIPA platform to make available of the appropriate legislative resources to act in respond to the coming challenges in the near future.

In conclusion, entering the fourth decade of cooperation, I wish to see AIPA continue to be a platform of parliamentary cooperation with the aim to bring peace, stability, and prosperity to ASEAN citizens. Therefore, legislative connectivity is the key to promote better understanding, greater competitiveness, inclusiveness, and a sense of community.

Mr. President, Parliamentarians, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Before I leave the podium, to the Vietnam delegation, please accept my congratulations as you earlier celebrated the anniversary of your National Day on the 2nd of September. On behalf of the Thai National Legislative Assembly, I wish you and the people of Vietnam every possible success, happiness and prosperity. And to the host country, I personally admire the role that Singapore had made happen the historic summit in Sentosa last June. Now I strongly believe that every good thing can also happen in Singapore at this General Assembly. I look forward to have productive discussions and fruitful outcomes in the next few days.

Thank you and Sawasdee krub.

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STATEMENT BY GENERAL DO BA TY, LEADER OF DELEGATION FOR VIETNAM


Your Excellency Mr. Tan Chuan-Jin, President of AIPA, Speaker of the Parliament of Singapore,

Honorable Speakers, Vice Speakers, Representatives of AIPA member Parliaments,

Honorable Secretary General of AIPA.

On behalf of the National Assembly of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, I would like to extend to Mr. President and distinguished delegates of the 39th AIPA General Assembly the warmest greetings and congratulations from the National Assembly and the people of Viet Nam. We appreciate the excellent arrangement and generous hospitality accorded by the host Parliament to the Delegation of the National Assembly of Viet Nam since our arrival in the beautiful and hospitable Singapore.

Ladies and Gentlemen, in 2018, we have witnessed the recovery of the global economy and trade, the strongest seen since the 2008-2009 crisis. Regional economic integration continues to be promoted. However, the world economy is also vulnerable to potential risks, particularly the burden of public debt, trade war between the major economies, and the major challenges posed to globalization due to the rise of trade protectionism in some countries. At the political front, peace and cooperation remain a major trend despite the existence of hot spots in certain parts of the world.

Within the region, we are pleased to see ASEAN has entered its 3rd year of Community building, having recorded many significant achievements. These are reflected in the outcomes of the implementation of the Master Plan to develop the three pillars according to the ASEAN Community Vision 2025, ASEAN’s strengthened solidarity, and its significant contribution to narrowing the development gap. Relations between ASEAN and partners are constantly bolstered as dialogue partners continue to support ASEAN’s community building and its centrality in the regional architecture. However, ASEAN has been faced with multiple traditional and non-traditional security challenges, notably of which are terrorism, environmental issues, climate change, complex developments in the East Sea that threaten peace and stability in the whole region.

Against this backdrop, the National Assembly of Viet Nam fully endorses the theme of this year’s AIPA General Assembly, “Towards a Resilient and Innovative Community”, which meets the development needs of the ASEAN Community in the new stage of development. ASEAN resilience should be promoted across all political, security, economic and socio-cultural dimensions. Solidarity, unity and maintenance of ASEAN centrality in the region are the key

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element of political resilience. We welcome the Chairman’s Statement at the 32nd ASEAN Summit, which reaffirmed ASEAN’s joint commitment to the maintenance of regional peace, security and stability and the peaceful settlement of disputes, with full respect given to diplomatic and legal processes, without resorting to the threat or use of force, in accordance with common principles of international law, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Economically speaking, resilience is the enhanced regional competitiveness in response to increased protectionism and the risk of trade wars. Specific measures to heighten resilience involve increasing intra–bloc trade and investment, deepening regional economic linkages, promoting an early conclusion of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) negotiation, increasing infrastructure connectivity, and enabling a more conducive environment for business and investment. Socially, ASEAN's resilience is also reflected in efforts to make ASEAN a stable home that provides all people with protection from natural disasters, impacts of climate change and epidemics, facilitates human mobility among countries, and opens up opportunities for employment, education and timely assistance. Culturally, ASEAN’s resilience means maintaining cultural identity in diversity and respect for differences. Furthermore, we should work towards the building of an Innovative ASEAN Community by adopting new technologies to develop digital economy, digital governance, e-commerce, e-government, and smart cities. We should take advantage of opportunities risen from the 4th Industrial Revolution, invest in science and technology, develop high quality human resources and increase access to information for the people. These are practical directions that ASEAN should follow.

Joining in the effort of the Governments of ASEAN members, the National Assemblies and Parliaments of ASEAN in our capacity as legislative bodies have helped build a common legal foundation for ASEAN, our shared home. AIPA has set the model for regional inter-parliamentary cooperation through its substantive contribution to the development of the ASEAN Community. AIPA has affirmed its role and voice in promoting cooperation among agencies that represent the will and aspirations of the people of ASEAN. I commend and appreciate the remarks by the President of AIPA-39 which identified AIPA's mission in the following years as working alongside ASEAN to build a resilient and innovative community. In accordance with our role and responsibility, the National Assembly of Viet Nam fully embraces this theme and will work hard to meet its commitments and implement the resolutions adopted at the 39th AIPA General Assembly. The agenda of the 39th AIPA General Assembly also reflects the deep concern of ASEAN parliamentarians over important issues related to the development of ASEAN Community.

Mr. President, on behalf of all members of the National Assembly of Viet Nam, a united, innovative and action-oriented body in pursuit of the interest of the people, I would like to reaffirm that Viet Nam will maintain our foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, multilateral diplomacy and diversification of international relations. We will continue playing an active role and engaging responsibly in international and regional affairs, contributing to the formulation and reform of AIPA's working procedures, as well as supporting ASEAN Leaders’ Vision for a Resilient and Innovative ASEAN. With these in mind, I would like to direct the AIPA General Assembly’s attention to the following matters:

First, we should continue to uphold the principles and norms of ASEAN's conduct, abide by international law, strengthen solidarity and unity in maintaining peace and security, promote trust building, prevent potential risks of conflict in the region, and actively fulfill the commitments within ASEAN.

Second, we should coordinate in legal action, facilitate the implementation of ASEAN cooperation agenda in all areas, with special emphasis on high technology, digital technology and

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response to traditional and non-traditional security challenges as agreed by ASEAN leaders in April this year.

Third, we should enhance the role of Parliaments in overseeing the implementation of the ASEAN Master Plan across all three political, economic and socio-cultural pillars, promoting support and coordination among member countries to foster economic development, narrow the development gap, and raise people's living standards, as well as in responding to climate change, protecting the environment and maintaining energy and water security.

Fourth, AIPA Member Parliaments should strengthen cooperation with the Parliament of observer countries, rally their support in terms of resources, technical assistance and best practices to improve our legislative capacity in face of Industry 4.0 and challenges in cyber security.

Fifth, AIPA should continue to reform its working procedures and improve operational efficiency, strengthen coordination and partnership between legislative and executive channels in member countries.

I am confident that, under the chairmanship of Mr. President, in the spirit of unity and cooperation and given the active contribution of member parliaments, especially the participation of all delegates, the 39th AIPA General Assembly will produce tangible results and be a great success.

To the stronger growth and development of AIPA!

To the continued sustainable development of ASEAN!

To the good health and success of Mr. President, Heads of delegation and all distinguished delegates!

Thank you.

ANNEX J

STATEMENT BY SECRETARY-GENERAL OF ASEAN

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STATEMENT BY

DATO LIM JOCK HOI, SECRETRY-GENERAL OF ASEAN SECRETARIAT


Your Excellency Speaker Tan Chuan-Jin, President of ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) and Speaker of Parliament of the Republic of Singapore; Honourable Speakers of AIPA Member Parliaments; Honourable Secretary-General of AIPA, Sunthornvut; Honourable Members of AIPA Delegations; Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, Good afternoon. It is an honour for me to be here to attend the 39th ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary General Assembly, for the first time in my capacity as the Secretary General of ASEAN. I would like to thank our host, the Singapore Parliament for the warm welcome and generous hospitality accorded to me and my delegation. I would also like to convey my sincere condolences to the Member of Parliaments of Indonesia, Lao PDR and Myanmar on the loss of lives and properties from the recent natural disasters. The ASEAN Secretariat has long engaged with legislators of ASEAN Member States who have an important part to play in ensuring that ASEAN is well understood by, and communicated, to the people. For the last 51 years, ASEAN has managed to unite all countries in the region. Three years ago, we have set our goal as one community of nations with the formal establishment of ASEAN Community. In the political and security pillar, ASEAN’s greatest achievement has been the maintenance of regional peace and stability which has underpinned our national economic development and prosperity. ASEAN works closely with its external partners through concrete projects and activities, particularly in support of ASEAN Community building efforts. ASEAN also endeavours to further strengthen its unity and centrality in its external engagement to continue to be in the driving seat of ASEAN-led regional mechanisms, and actively shape the region’s geo-strategic landscape.

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In the economic pillar, we have solidified the gains. ASEAN is now the 6th largest trading group in the world, and with the growth of 5.3%, ASEAN is destined to be the 4th largest economies by 2030. Last week our economic ministers met here in Singapore and re-affirmed their commitment to further strengthen the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC). New guidelines to implement the non-tariff measures (NTMs) have been endorsed, and the ASEAN-wide self-certification scheme aims to facilitate trade among our business people. The ministers also signed the Protocol to implement the 10th package of commitments under the ASEAN Framework Agreement on Services (AFAS) to further deepen our services trade integration.

Investment regimes are kept more open with the on-going enhancements of the ASEAN Comprehensive Investment Agreement. To support the markets, regional initiatives are now in place to enhance connectivity and infrastructure, and to improve access to finance, technology, efficient energy supply, and transport services. We are also hoping that Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), the first mega free trade agreement (FTA) with our six dialogue partners, will be substantially concluded this year. In addition to building markets, we have also created opportunities for the people. Our integration will be incomplete without the good work of our social and cultural pillar where a lot of work is being done across a wide spectrum. Narrowing the development gap is not just an economic target. Providing our young people with a good education is one of the most effective ways out of the poverty trap. This is one reason why we are so focused on education. To date, ASEAN has implemented programs that address the narrowing of development gaps through such initiatives as sub-regional economic programs (for example, Greater Mekong Sub-region), development of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), promotion of consumer protection, agriculture and food security, and capacity building programs for the less developed ASEAN economies.

As a region that is prone to disaster, we have committed to operationalise the "ASEAN

Declaration on One ASEAN One Response" such as during the recent flooding situation in various parts of Lao PDR and Myanmar, as well as Indonesia and the Philippines.

We are also making progress in other areas such as climate change and environment, as

well as mainstreaming the rights of women, children, older persons, disabled, and migrant workers in our political and economic initiatives.

Indeed, significant progress has been made, but the road to the ASEAN Community is

still a long one. Removing market barriers is not easy given the complex process of market integration, particularly in an uncertain global environment.

The challenges of the digital economy and increasing digitalisation are going to change

the way we live and interact, and therefore, affect the way we build our community.

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So what do we need to do? And how do we expect the parliamentarians to respond and help us?

First, it is critical that ASEAN initiatives are transposed into national commitments

through appropriate domestic processes. Legislators have a role to play to ensure that regional agreements are ratified, new laws are formulated, and amend existing laws to support market integration. Undertaking economic reforms and approving national budgets to implement countries' commitments to regional integration projects are also vital.

Second, while ASEAN have done a good job in eliminating barriers within each country,

more needs to be done to eliminate non-tariff barriers, strengthen trade facilitation measures, and harmonising standards, laws and regulations.

Finally, given the difficult and complex process of building a community, regional

institutions must be developed over time to enforce rules and monitor progress of implementation.

One critical institutional support is the strengthening of mechanism for stakeholder

consultation. As the people's representatives, legislators can help raise awareness among their constituents on how countries can benefit from the community building process. This is to ensure national ownership of regional initiatives that is critical to the overall success of ASEAN Community.

In closing, honourable members of the parliament, we at the ASEAN Secretariat are fully

committed to realise the ASEAN Community Vision 2025. We stand ready to work closely with AIPA in this very important journey.

Let us take this journey together. Thank you very much.

ANNEX K

STATEMENTS BY LEADERS OF DELEGATIONS OF AIPA

OBSERVER PARLIAMENTS

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STATEMENT BY MR SCOTT RYAN, LEADER OF DELEGATION FOR AUSTRALIA


Your Excellency Mr Tan Chuan-Jin, President of AIPA, Speaker of the Parliament of Singapore, Honourable Heads of Delegations, Distinguished Colleagues, Ladies and Gentlemen.

It is a great pleasure and honour to address the 39th ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly here in Singapore. On behalf of the Australian delegation, allow me to express our sincere appreciation to Your Excellency, AIPA President and Speaker of the Parliament of Singapore, and to the people of Singapore, for the warm hospitality extended to us.

The Assembly is taking place at an important time for ASEAN and for Australia’s relations with ASEAN. ASEAN celebrated its 50th birthday in 2017, and is now moving into its second half century. As the prime structure for Southeast Asian regional cooperation, the ‘ASEAN Community’ continues to promote collaboration in the economic, political and security areas as well as across the socio-cultural realm.

Our participation as observers of this Assembly provides us with an opportunity to renew our friendships and to reaffirm the very valuable relationships and cooperation which Australia has long had with ASEAN and its 630 million people in many spheres, including through parliamentary dialogue and cooperation.

In fact, Australia became ASEAN’s first dialogue partner over 40 years ago in 1974, and 2018 marks the 44th year of that partnership. Throughout that period, Australia has appreciated the great contribution which ASEAN has made to peace, regional cooperation and prosperity in Southeast Asia.

Our commitment was re-affirmed with our accession to the ASEAN Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in December 2005 and with the ‘Joint Declaration on the ASEAN-Australia Comprehensive Partnership’, signed in Manila ten years ago. In 2013, Australia appointed its first resident Ambassador to ASEAN.

Then, in November 2014, at the 40th Anniversary Commemorative ASEAN-Australia Summit in Myanmar, Australia and ASEAN entered into a new Strategic Partnership. The Strategic Partnership recognises both the depth and breadth of existing Australia-ASEAN cooperation and acknowledges the potential for greater engagement.

In March this year, Australia convened the first Special ASEAN-Australia Summit in Sydney. Apart from the summit between the heads of state, further meetings took place between

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business leaders, counter-terrorism specialists and academics. All agreed that it was a time of much useful interaction between ASEAN and Australia. During the Special Summit, Australia and ASEAN signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation to Counter International Terrorism.

Australia’s economic and security interests remain inextricably linked with the countries of Southeast Asia, a relationship underpinned by the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement signed in 2009. In 2017, Australia’s trade with ASEAN countries grew by 9 per cent over 2016 to reach $105 billion, which is greater than our two-way trade with Japan and the United States. The two-way investment relationship is now valued at well over $200 billion. Today, Australia is also heavily engaged with ASEAN and other Indo-Pacific economies in the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership negotiations.

Our functional collaboration with ASEAN continues through many avenues, including participation in the annual ASEAN Post Ministerial Conferences, the ASEAN Regional Forum and the East Asia Summit. We also participate actively in the ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting Plus, an important forum which brings together defence ministers from the 18 East Asia Summit countries.

Australia also values the opportunity to work cooperatively with ASEAN states in disaster management and in combatting transnational crime. In particular, we are actively involved in helping the developing ASEAN states to reduce disaster risk and to build community resilience. Australia’s assistance to developing ASEAN member states, including bilateral and regional programs, will total some $1 billion in 2018-19.

Over the past decade and a half ASEAN and Australia have substantially expanded our cooperation to combat terrorism, counter violent extremism and fight transnational crime. The agreement signed in Sydney affirms that expanded cooperation. We are also working closely to bolster the cybersecurity capabilities of both the public and private sectors in ASEAN. The Australia-ASEAN Cyber Policy Dialogue will be held in Singapore next month.

But, we also jointly celebrate the vitality of our peoples, and Australia-ASEAN people-to-people relations are seeing rapid development. Tourism, education, arts exchanges, the New Colombo Plan and a plethora of other programs see the people of ASEAN and Australia learning more about each other year by year.

We must celebrate the values which tie us together, and recognise that adherence to the rule of law and open markets will allow the free flow of trade, people, capital and ideas. One of the founding fathers of ASEAN—Singapore’s first Prime Minister Mr Lee Kuan Yew—spoke of how, if there were no international law and order, “big fish would eat small fish and small fish would eat shrimps”. ASEAN, as a body, works to provide the international law and order structure whereby the Southeast Asian nations have created a region where all states, regardless of their size, are respected in their sovereignty and their ability to determine their own course.

In closing, I come back to the reason we are gathered here in Singapore. We are all coming together as elected representatives of the peoples of our respective countries, tasked with representing our countries’ Parliaments and peoples to explore better ways forward in addressing the many challenges which face us. We are here to continue learning from our ASEAN Parliamentary counterparts.

Once again, it is a great pleasure and honour to attend this important forum to renew cooperation between our parliaments, and we are confident that the relationship between Australia

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and ASEAN will continue to benefit our countries and peoples. On behalf of the Australian delegation, I applaud you, as legislators, on your role in ASEAN’s continued success in ensuring peace, stability and cooperation in the region, and wish you a fruitful and successful General Assembly.

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STATEMENT BY MR DMITRY SHEVTSOV, LEADER OF DELEGATION FOR BELARUS


Mr President, Your Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen.

First of all, with my whole heart I would like to thank you, Mr President, for the invitation and the opportunity to participate in such a representative forum, for the warm welcome extended by Singapore friends, for the excellent organization of the event.

I also extend thanks to AIPA Secretariat and special thanks to the Secretary-General for their constructive cooperation.

I am honored to attend the 39th General Assembly of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly and represent the Belarusian Parliament.

For the last 25 years, the world community has made a quantum leap from dissociation to progressive political and economic integration. It has brought, to all of us, obvious benefits in respect of simplification of trade and mobility, promotion of cross-border cooperation and good-neighbourly relations. However, they should not be considered as something self-evident and irreversible. Our common achievements are still fragile. They are exposed to more and more increasing pressure. The current migration crisis, terrorist and other threats to security, the centers of regional tension and economic difficulties are beyond borders and undermine stability. They threaten processes of sustainable development and technological progress. Effective counteraction to these challenges and prevention of the new conflicts, achievement of the goals of sustainable development and progress of innovative technologies demands coordinated actions and dialogue with involvement of all continents of the globe.

In this context, the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly is playing more and more significant role as an important geopolitical platform for dialogue and cooperation.

We believe that in the present context the activity of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly can be mainly concentrated on support of sustainable economic development, on ensuring the stability and forming of interrelations not only in the Asia-Pacific Region. It is necessary to build a bridge of cooperation between Asia and Europe in a wide range of issues/areas.

The countries, which generate new knowledge, have advantage of commercial application of these ideas, of exports of high-tech and high-margin products. Moreover, those who are the first to introduce these technologies, take the leading positions in the world.

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Republic of Belarus already has the reputation of independent and important economic partner in the region. All strategy and programs adopted in the Republic of Belarus at the country level as well as the international cooperation are oriented to support the innovations, to encourage foreign investment and to improve business climate at the national level. The maximum priority is given to the development of the high technologies and hi-tech productions based on developments V and VI technological set-up. As a result, the country is ranked 38th out of the 190 economies covered by the World Bank's Doing Business 2018 report of Doing Business of the World Bank and is one of the most active states in view of the total amount of reforms to improve business climate. Belarus expands the sector of high technologies and is one of the top ten intensively developing countries of the world.

Achievements of national scientists in various fields of fundamental and applied science are recognized by the world community and are certified in the form of justified patents. Every year, 3 to 5 world-class innovations are created in our country.

Among the world-class innovations created in the Republic of Belarus, we can list the following:

test system of real-time measurements of oncogenic protein concentration in the tissuespecimen;

world-class artificial cardiac valves; stem cell technology for the treatment of patients with trophic ulcers refractory to

conventional treatment; atomic-force microscope with the software allowing to take measurements of

micromechanical properties of materials and microorganisms on a nano level; environmentally friendly micro fertilizer of the new generation "Nanoplant" on the

basis of nanoparticles of minerals which not only doubles or triples the cropproductivity, stimulates germination and enhances seedlings survival, but alsoimproves fertility of soils, prevents soil erosion, removes the remains of heavy metalsand chemical fertilizers, enriches and revitalizes the soil;

the world’s first large dump trucks BelAZ with a loading capacity of 450 tons(registered in the Guinness Book of World Records);

electrobus E 433 whose main distinction is the advanced super capacitor energystorage system and the improved consumer properties in comparison with foreignanalogs;

production prototype of the super capacitor for the electric transport. Its advantagesare lightness, compactness, fast charging, longer service life, doubly or triply increasedrecharge capacity in comparison with similar products. The super capacitor is basedon graphene-like materials developed in the Republic of Belarus.

Nowadays, our country exports microelectronics for the wide list of industrial activities, special processing equipment for radio electronics, for laser-optical medical equipment, communication devices. For years, energy efficient tractors «Belarus» have become the trademark of our country. Other types of farm vehicles, heavy trucks, mining dump trucks by BelAZ, multipurpose unmanned aerial vehicles, defense products are also widespread in the market.

Every year Belarus is becoming more and more known abroad as a major center of medical tourism. The open visa policy providing 30-day visa-free stay on the territory of our state in every possible way contributes to establishment and to develop international cooperation. The number of foreigners who come to Belarus to receive qualified medical care is constantly increasing. Such tourists are interested not only in aesthetic treatment or surgery, but also in complex medical

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operations in the field of oncology, cardiology, orthopedics, neurosurgery, transplantology and others. The agro industrial sector of national economy with its plant and animal breeding based on modern research methods with the use of biotechnological test systems and markers, DNA technologies allowing to define the genetic status and to control heredity, has also all key factors and predispositions to enter into the world market.

Dear colleagues, the Belarusian Parliament highly appreciates the developing cooperation with parliaments of Southeast Asian countries; we consider the deepening of partnership links with ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly as one of the priority directions of foreign policy of Belarus.

In this regard, the Republic of Belarus suggests the Southeast Asian countries to unite cooperation in frontier science and business for joint entry into the world market.

Being in the center of Europe, the Republic of Belarus has a unique geopolitical position –– we are the universal logistic platform between Europe and Asia. The economic system of the Republic of Belarus is interested in construction and development of innovative and hi-tech plants whose products will be successfully sold on the European continent.

For this purpose, the Republic of Belarus has all basic conditions: favorable business and investment climate, solid research and technological groundworks in bio industry, nanotechnologies, medicine and pharmaceutics, high level of development of the human capital and qualified staff.

We are ready to share experience, to exchange scientific and innovative staff in order to achieve sustainable development and stability.

The Republic of Belarus considers the Southeast Asian countries as reliable partners in the fight against transnational crime, cyber-crime, human trafficking, illegal migration, drug traffic, terrorism and other world challenges.

We seek to enrich our experience in fight against these challenges and we are ready to share it with our Southeast Asia partner countries to overcome modern challenges.

Dear colleagues, the Belarusian parliamentarians seek to contribute to advance bilateral relationship.

Inter-parliamentary cooperation within the framework of ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly promotes intensification of coordination of our countries in the international affairs as well as strengthening of the collective parliamentary diplomacy, exchange of experience in legislative activity.

Joining efforts, we can achieve greater efficiency in promoting peace, security, economic growth and prosperity of our nations

Let me wish new successes, achievements and prosperity.

Thank you for your attention.

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STATEMENT BY MR TERRENCE JAMES SHEEHAN, LEADER OF DELEGATION FOR

CANADA AT THE FIRST PLENARY SESSION

ON 4 SEPTEMBER 2018

Honoured Speakers, Fellow Parliamentarians, Special Guests.

On behalf of the delegation representing the Parliament of Canada, I would like to say what an honour it is to be here in Singapore and to address the 39th General Assembly of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly.

As our fellow delegates here today, you represent the parliaments of countries with which Canada and Canadians have deep connections. Some Canadians are entrepreneurs and trade in goods and services with or invest in your markets. Others visit to admire the natural beauty and cultural treasures that are found across this region.

These connections are strengthened by our shared values and our shared goals, and especially by the deep and historical people-to-people ties between us. Thousands of people from Southeast Asian countries call Canada home, and thousands – including students – continue to come every year.

Indeed, the multicultural mix of people that is gathered here today reflects Canada’s own rich diversity. Canadians with cultural ties to ASEAN states have become integral to the multicultural fabric of Canadian society that makes me and my fellow citizens so proud. These communities are spread across the country and their members are active in many fields, whether in politics, business, sport, community organization, the arts, or others. While we recognize we have work to do to end discrimination, our collective aspiration to become a country where all citizens have equal opportunities to realize their full potential.is a project to which Canadians are deeply committed.

The promise of this connection between Canadians and ASEAN countries is enhanced by our engagement at the parliamentary level.

At the last AIPA General Assembly, the Parliament of Canada was represented by Senator Tobias Enverga. He was an excellent ambassador of Canadian values, and stressed the importance of Canada’s relationship with ASEAN and its members. It was his privilege to mark not only the 50th anniversary of ASEAN, but also the 40th anniversary of Canada becoming a Dialogue Partner of ASEAN. Sadly, Senator Enverga passed away last year and he is very much missed by his colleagues and Canadians alike, including many from the Filipino community in Canada and in his country of birth, the Philippines.

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It is thinking of him today that we hope to echo the message he brought to last year’s General Assembly that Canada and Canadian parliamentarians are very much committed to maintaining strong political and economic ties with ASEAN members and to contributing to our shared peace and prosperity.

The strong ties between Canada and ASEAN have created many opportunities for our countries to share experiences and knowledge in a range of fields, whether political, economic, social or security-related. Canada has sought to fulfil its role as a partner with ASEAN by supporting regional integration, by encouraging interfaith and cross-cultural communication, by working to eliminate international crime and terrorism, and by assisting efforts to build better ways to minimize the impact of natural disasters and other such crises.

We have provided security assistance to ASEAN countries to help advance integration goals that contribute to regional peace and security, a goal that is of great importance to Canada as well. Canada also provides development assistance and supports human rights initiatives. We also contribute to a five-year, $10 million scholarship program to build the capacity of students and professionals to address development challenges in the region.

Canada hopes to become more involved in the region, to promote economic growth and prosperity, and to deepen our personal connections. We have taken various steps to enhance our presence and involvement, such as through the appointment of a Canadian ambassador to ASEAN in 2009, which became a fully dedicated assignment in 2016.

Also, in 2009, we adopted the Joint Declaration on the ASEAN-Canada Enhanced Partnership, which is being implemented through successive five-year plans of action that chart our mutual strategy for cooperation. In 2010, Canada acceded to ASEAN’s Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia that seeks to promote perpetual peace among the people of Southeast Asia.

In recent years, the frequency of visits to ASEAN by high-level Canadian delegations also has increased. For his part, Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau attended the ASEAN Summit in the Philippines in 2017. Other visits have been undertaken by the Minister of Foreign Affairs as well as the Minister of International Trade. In addition to strengthening our ties, these visits are occasions for promoting Canadian values, including the promotion of gender equality through women’s health and economic empowerment. As one particular example of this commitment, the Prime Minister announced during his 2017 visit an investment of $17.8 million over five years to support greater access to sexual and reproductive health services to women and girls in remote parts of the Philippines.

Of course, another aspect of our relationship that holds continued promise is trade and investment. The ASEAN region represents Canada’s sixth largest trading partner. In 2017, our bilateral merchandise trade reached C$23.3 billion, an increase of two billion from the year before. Direct investment flows between ASEAN countries and Canada have also been robust, with billions of dollars actively boosting our economies every year. In 2017 alone, two-way investment totalled over C$12 billion.

To support the growth of our economic relationship, in 2011, Canada and ASEAN signed the Joint Declaration on Trade and Investment. It sets out specific objectives regarding the enhancement of trade and investment opportunities, including a focus on small and medium-sized enterprises, connectivity, education, innovation and corporate social responsibility.

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Other initiatives further exemplify Canada’s commitment to deepen ties with the ASEAN region. In 2012, the Canada-ASEAN Business Council was established among interested members of the private sector as well as Export Development Canada, a corporation owned by the federal government but that operates at arms-length to develop Canada’s export trade. Based here in Singapore and in Calgary, a city in Western Canada that is rich in natural resources including oil and gas, the Canada-ASEAN Business Council is strengthening commercial ties and opening new opportunities. Its most recent forum earlier this year in Singapore was attended by over 300 delegates from the private and public sectors and focused on ways to accelerate our partnership.

The 2018 event also inaugurated the CABC’s Women’s Leadership Forum during which strategies and best practices were exchanged about transforming businesses.

In a commitment to further develop trade, Canadian trade commissioners are based in each ASEAN member country and ready to serve. Their role is to facilitate commercial relations between individuals and companies, to answer questions about trade matters, to provide assistance, and to develop opportunities in many different sectors, including aerospace, mining, information and communications technologies, and sustainable technologies.

One last initiative to mention in this regard is the Canada–ASEAN annual trade policy dialogue, established in 2016. Through this dialogue, we committed to explore ways to enhance trade liberalization, including the feasibility of a Free Trade Agreement between Canada and ASEAN. Indeed, the first such exploratory meeting was held just in July in Singapore; I for one look forward to watching these discussions progress.

On other fronts, Canada has in place existing Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreements with the Philippines and Thailand. We have also commenced our legislative process to ratify the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement, or the CPTPP, that will further integrate our economies with Brunei, Vietnam, Singapore and Malaysia and six other countries from the Asia-Pacific region.

I could go on and on to list and describe in detail our many connections and the rich potential that exists in Canada’s relationship with ASEAN states, but in closing I want to emphasise the value of the parliamentary dimension in our international engagement. Whether at meetings of the AIPA, the Inter-Parliamentary Union, or the Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum, we benefit from our discussions about such matters as climate change, peace and security, human rights and equality, and fair and prosperous trade.

The Canadian delegation is eager to meet with our colleagues and to engage in substantive discussions about some of the pressing regional and global issues we are facing, and how Canada and ASEAN countries can work together to address them.

We look forward to building a deeper understanding and making stronger connections through the AIPA General Assembly during our time together here in Singapore.

As my final words, on behalf of the Canadian delegation, I would like to thank the General Assembly for inviting us and to thank our Singaporean hosts. It is a true pleasure to be amongst our ASEAN parliamentary colleagues and to spend time in this beautiful country.

Thank you.

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STATEMENT BY DR WERNER LANGEN, LEADER OF DELEGATION FOR THE

EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AT THE FIRST PLENARY SESSION

ON 4 SEPTEMBER 2018

Your Excellency Deputy Prime Minister Mr Teo Chee Hean,

Your Excellency Mr Tan Chuan-Jin, President of AIPA and Speaker of the Parliament of Singapore,

Honourable Mr. Isra Sunthornvut, Secretary General of AIPA,

Honourable Parliamentarians, distinguished colleagues,

Thank you very much for your warm welcome and your hospitality. Indeed, it is an honour and a privilege to have the opportunity to address you here at the 39th General Assembly of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly on behalf of the European Parliament.

First, I would like to extend my deepest sympathy to the victims of the Lombok earthquake and their families.

Second, let us remember what we all celebrated last year: the 50th anniversary of ASEAN and the 40th anniversary of the EU-ASEAN dialogue relations.

Again, let me express my sincere congratulations to you.

At the same time, the EU celebrated its 60th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome, the founding treaty of the European Union.

These anniversaries are an excellent opportunity to take stock of our relationship and to push forward our common work. Over four decades, ASEAN and the European Union have established a relationship of which we can be proud. The potential for greater engagement is enormous. From trade to climate, from maritime security to counterterrorism, together we can make our two regions stronger.

Like the EU, ASEAN is a key factor of stability in a challenging regional context at a time of geopolitical volatility. We both believe in rules-based multilateralism as opposed to geo-political spheres of influence.

The EU fully supports the principle of ASEAN centrality and its efforts to build and consolidate a rules-based regional architecture, such as the ASEAN Economic Community.

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Further enhancing our relations based on common interests and shared values is a priority for the EU.

Trade

Usually, EU-ASEAN relations are seen through the lens of economic relations and trade, as ASEAN and the EU are both economic powers. Indeed, the facts are impressive. ASEAN as a whole represents the EU's third largest trading partner outside Europe (after the US and China). The EU, on the other hand, is ASEAN second largest trading partner after China.

Free and fair trade is in our DNA. It is therefore crucial to uphold the principles of free and fair trade today, to counter the rise of protectionism.

Singapore will be the first country in South-East Asia to get free access to the European Union, the largest market in the world. We also plan to sign a Free Trade Agreement with Vietnam before the end of this year, and we hope Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines and others will follow soon.

Nevertheless, our ultimate goal remains to establish a region-to-region Free Trade Agreement between the EU and ASEAN. It will require more time and more experts' work, but the agreements with Singapore and Vietnam have now delivered the first building blocks.

Strategic Partnership

The European Union is rightly known for being the largest trading bloc in the world. However, it is much more than that. The EU is a global security provider – for our own interest, and because so many of our partners expect us to play a global role.

Many of our interests coincide, as do many of the challenges we face. These are not easy times for the rules-based international order and multilateralism. However, if we join forces, we can achieve so much together. Most crises today have a global impact. Conflicts in the EU's neighbourhood have an impact on markets and societies elsewhere, including here in South East Asia. In addition, tensions and radicalisation in the Asia-Pacific can destabilise the world well beyond your region.

As a global security provider, we have a deep interest in establishing a Strategic Partnership with ASEAN. The EU Foreign Affairs Council Conclusions of 28 May unanimously agreed to deepen our security cooperation with Asian partners, including by participating in South East Asia security and defence fora, including the East Asia Summit.

The EU has been working very hard in recent months to develop a more ambitious Common Security and Defence Policy. This happened in close cooperation with NATO. The EU has deployed 16 military/civilian missions outside its territory, with more than 6,000 people on the ground. As a participant in the ASEAN Regional Forum, we have become one of the main contributors to its activities, with initiatives on counterterrorism, deradicalisation, preventive diplomacy, maritime security, cyber security, and crisis and disaster management.

The region-to-region Air Transport Agreement we are negotiating would be the first of its kind and a landmark in our cooperation. With this agreement, ASEAN and the EU can lay a solid foundation for the development of air transport between the two regions. This opportunity should not to be missed. We should make efforts to initial the agreement still this year. Once it is in place,

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thousands of new jobs will be created, and travellers from both regions will be able to fly directly for lower prices and with the highest security standards.

Our relationship is also about investing in people. Almost ten million Europeans came to South-East Asia last year, and the number continues to grow. Each year over 1,300 ASEAN students and staff from universities receive scholarships and almost 600 European students and staff travel to ASEAN countries under the EU's Erasmus Plus programme. Here is one area where, certainly, the best investment in the future is to increase our efforts so that more talented students and researchers can be exchanged between our regions, and that we both gain the huge cultural benefits of global mobility.

This kind of cooperation can make a real difference to our citizens. Because ultimately, this is what our work as parliamentarians is all about: making a real and positive difference to our people.

EU-ASEAN – cooperation

Let me also mention that the EU is supporting ASEAN with some EUR 200 million made available between 2014 and 2020. This underlines the importance the EU gives to ASEAN. The amount mostly supports the establishment of the ASEAN single market, and strengthens resilience, by improving community sustainability and by funding expert dialogues in sectors of common interest.

South China Sea

Regarding maritime security, including in the South China Sea, the EU remains committed to the principles of international law, as enshrined in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, to ensure the peaceful and sustainable use of the seas and oceans. In particular, Freedom of navigation must be ensured.

Moreover, we believe that all claimants in the South China Sea should refrain from unilateral actions, such as a militarisation of the area. The deployment of missiles in the South China Sea is not conducive to a peaceful environment, including for negotiations on a Code of Conduct, and contradicts earlier declarations. We as the EU call for transparent negotiations and their rapid conclusion for an effective and legally binding Code of Conduct between China and ASEAN.

Democracy, human rights and rule of law

The European Parliament particularly stresses safeguarding the principles of democracy, human rights and the rule of law. For these issues, we have a particular instrument, the urgency resolution. I know that we are not always popular and sometimes blamed for too much focus on these issues. Indeed, it is true that our criticism sometimes is hard-hitting. However, this marks our level of commitment to, and ambition for, these principles. I can assure you that we are equally demanding within the EU as externally. As you know, we are very critical towards our own member states that ignore these principles.

We are following the situation in Myanmar and the refugee camps in Bangladesh with grave concern. The Rohingya crisis is one of the biggest human and humanitarian catastrophes in the world. Myanmar is just at the beginning of its democratisation, after a long period of military dictatorship. The EU is supporting this process both politically and financially. However, the ongoing democratisation cannot excuse severest crimes against humanity.

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Last Wednesday, we listened in the European Parliament to the report of the United Nations Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Myanmar. We believe this is a serious report and therefore we agree that those people, who committed crimes or gave orders to commit them, should be held legally accountable. Moreover, rising tensions and instability will have a direct impact on security and economic development in the region. We have a shared interest in working together to preserve regional stability.

We expect the government of Myanmar to create conditions for a voluntary and safe return of refugees in cooperation with the UNHCR. In particular, it has to assure that a further exodus of Rohingya to Bangladesh is stopped. Therefore, the full implementation of the recommendations of the Advisory Commission on Rakhine State remains crucial. In fact, the Annan Report constitutes the legacy of the former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan.

We are very concerned about the latest developments in Cambodia, and in particular the July general elections. In our view, a functioning democracy requires the conduct of free and fair elections. Elections must give the possibility of real choice between different political positions and of changing the leadership. Free and fair elections can only take place under the conditions of the freedom of speech, real opposition parties, free media and civil society.

We understand the reasons to fight drugs due to their disastrous impact on people and society as a whole. Nevertheless, we are convinced that this fight in the Philippines and other countries must be conducted in accordance with the principles of the rule of law. Moreover, I would like to underline that the EU opposes any application of the death penalty as a matter of principle.

Regarding Thailand, we are pleased about the latest developments of the political parties and expect the government to keep its promise holding the next elections by February 2019 at the latest.

Finally, we are glad about the latest developments in Malaysia. Despite difficult circumstances, the people of Malaysia achieved a change of its government through free elections. Myself, I arrived on Election Day in Kuala Lumpur. One day after the elections, I felt the hope among people for a move towards new political horizons. We in the European Parliament wish the new parliament and government good luck for this endeavour.

In conclusion, I would like to underline that the European Parliament stands ready to support the ASEAN countries in fulfilling these principles as much as we can. It is not our intention to lecture you. Nevertheless, we will always insist on observing international obligations and UN standards, as stipulated in the international agreements of the EU.

Strengthening the EU-ASEAN parliamentary dimension

Since the Treaty of Lisbon in 2009, the European Parliament has gained many more competences within the architecture of the EU institutions. It has also increased its powers in the field of foreign affairs, mainly regarding international agreements, thus becoming a co-legislator on an equal footstep with the Council. In particular, the European Parliament is a budgetary authority. Accordingly, it can also influence developments in foreign affairs.

Both the European Parliament and AIPA are like-minded partners. We are formal parliamentary institutions of our regions, regardless of the differing competences. So far, we meet regularly once a year at the AIPA General Assembly, where the European Parliament has observer

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status. We think this is not enough. The EU-ASEAN relationship should have a stronger parliamentary dimension. We think that parliamentary diplomacy is an important tool in international politics, next to the executive and legislative branches. For this reason, I would like to make the following proposal:

Our proposal is to hold one additional annual inter-regional dialogue meeting, ideally as a full-day event. This would allow for a more structured dialogue between the EP and AIPA. It would promote deeper exchanges on issues of substance and more knowledge sharing on working modalities between parliamentarians and support staff from the two sides. Issues of common interest identified in this meeting could be followed up further during the EP-AIPA Dialogue with Observer Delegations.

Our long-term goal could be to establish a Joint EP-AIPA Interparliamentary Forum consisting of between 22 and 25 members from each region with the aim to discuss thematic issues. At a later stage, we could think about joint declarations, if both sides agree.

This proposal from the European Parliament’s side needs to be approved by our political bodies. I know that it has the support of the major political groups in the House. In this regard, I very much welcome the planned visit of AIPA Secretary General Mr. Isra Sunthornvut in November this year. It will be an excellent opportunity to meet with more members of the ASEAN Delegation, the Vice President responsible for Asia Heidi Hautala, as well as our Secretary General Klaus Welle and other staff members.

Your Excellencies, Honourable Members, Ladies and Gentlemen,

As you know, the European Parliament will hold its next elections in May next year. After 25 years in the European Parliament, I have decided not to stand again as a candidate for my political party CDU (Christlich Demokratische Union), which is a member of the European People’s Party family.

I have much appreciated my time as a member of the European Parliament. In October 2009, I was elected as Chair of the ASEAN Delegation in the European Parliament. This time was a wonderful experience in my life, which I would not have wanted to miss.

As this will be my last time with AIPA, let me take the opportunity to thank everyone I have met during these years, parliamentarians, government representatives, staff members and civil society representatives.

I wish a flourishing future to the EU-ASEAN and the EP-AIPA relationship, in particular under Singapore's remaining ASEAN chairmanship and its coordinator's role for the ASEAN-EU relations over the next three years.

Thank you all and Goodbye!

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STATEMENT BY MR KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH, LEADER OF DELEGATION FOR INDIA


I am happy to be here at this august gathering of the 39th General Assembly of the ASEAN Inter Parliamentary Assembly. At the outset, I would like to express my sincere thanks Mr. Tan Chuan-Jin, President of AIPA and Hon’ble Speaker of the Parliament of Singapore, for his warm welcome and kind hospitality. It is a great pleasure to be in this beautiful country, which has evolved as a role model for an Asian resurgence.

Friends, India and the ASEAN share a common oriental lineage of culture and civilisation, history and heritage, thereby creating a continental connect of brotherhood and bon homie which culminated in a fruitful relationship. This relationship has grown steadily over time, thereby proving to be mutually beneficial. It is a great moment for us here that India and the ASEAN celebrated with enthusiasm 25 years of Dialogue Partnership, 15 years of Summit Level Interactions and 5 years of Strategic Partnership throughout 2017 by undertaking a wide range of activities and initiatives, in India and through its Missions in the ASEAN Member States.

At the ASEAN-India Commemorative Summit held in New Delhi this January, our Leaders acknowledged the strength that draws our regions together. It is our joint commitment to build a resilient and innovative community that thrives on shared values of pluralism, co-existence, oneness, peace, prosperity and environmental harmony. By resilience, I mean the ability to withstand crisis courage and the capability to cope with confidence unexpected risk. In order to achieve this, we need to innovate people-centric technologies, easy to follow.

Currently, technology is dominated by a machine-centric approach. This calls for investing our precious resources on research and development in different sectors of the economy to generate employment opportunities on the one hand and to create technologies appropriate for our societies. We should not be seen merely as consumers of manufactured goods from the western world. We must produce for ourselves as well as for others and this calls for strengthening the fundamentals of our economies in order to insulate the region from the manipulated fluctuations of the market such as the financial melt-down and the near collapse of the banking system of the US through sub-prime lending a decade back. It is in this context India’s resolve to create a resilient and innovative community has to be seen. Our Prime Minister has undertaken an ambitious ‘Make in India’ project. The ASEAN has emerged as a manufacturing hub for many multi-national corporations. In the process, it has given birth to its own multi-national corporations. We want to be a part of this spirit of enterprise. We seek ASEAN cooperation and together we can take forward the wind of Asian resurgence to greater heights and demonstrate that this is the age of Asia!

This calls for strengthening the bonds that already exist and elevate the constructive cooperation that marks our relations to a higher pedestal. There is already a warm relationship

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between India and ASEAN that is flourishing based on good will, democracy, economic and socio-cultural cooperation. It is multifaceted with India being involved in various projects in the fields of agriculture, science and technology, space, environment and climate change, human resource development, capacity building, new and renewable energy, tourism, besides forging people-to-people contacts. India wants to elevate its ASEAN engagement to a higher level of cooperation by exchanging outcomes of research and innovation.

Through the Act East Policy, our Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi is working on building this relationship further. In the world beyond and specifically in the Indo-Pacific region, India is working to promote a democratic and rule-based international order, in which all nations, small and large, thrive as equal and sovereign partners in a common endeavour. We are keen to work with others to keep our seas, space and airways free and open; our nations secure from terrorism; and our cyber space free from disruption and conflict. India is keen to keep its economy open and our engagement transparent to make it a favoured destination for investments. As we seek a sustainable future for our planet, we want you to see the new International Solar Alliance is an important example of India's resolve.

It is pertinent to mention here about the 4th ASEAN-India Ministerial Meeting on Agriculture and Forestry, held this January in India endorsing the Medium Term Plan of Action (2016-2020) for ASEAN-India Cooperation. It focused on cross-sectoral cooperation, and importantly on:

(a) Enhanced resilience of natural systems and improve the adaptive capacities of human communities to cope with environmental hazards and

(b) Adverse impact of Climate change on socio-economic development, health and the environment.

With its varied topography and a long coast line, the ASEAN region is also vulnerable to natural disasters. Much of its economic activity is based on natural resources and forest cover along the coast line. Raising global temperature and rising sea level are a source of threat to the population in the region. Therefore, there is a need to urgently take up corrective measures to avoid humanitarian crises in the ASEAN region. India faces a similar situation with a long coast line. Therefore, we need to evolve a concerted plan of action in tune with the Sendai Framework to strengthen Disaster Risk Reduction efforts and to avert natural disasters in the region.

India and ASEAN have ratified the Paris Agreement which aims to strengthen global response to the looming threat of climate change. The ASEAN, though not the source of significant emission of greenhouse gases, has acted to address climate change through various environmental, economic and social initiatives activities over the years. Many ASEAN Members have announced voluntary mitigation targets. This demonstrates the ASEAN determination to defuse the global environmental crisis.

According to a recent survey, the Global Ageing Population, people above 60, is expected to be around 21 percent by the year 2050. It is also said that two-thirds of the people aged 60 and above live in low and middle income countries which are more prone to natural disasters because the level of preparedness is inadequate. The combination of ageing populace together with vulnerability to natural disasters emphasizes the need to act on the issue of climate change in a concerted manner as it is a crisis common to all. Environmental hazards recognize no national boundaries! We need to develop appropriate technologies to face the challenge.

It has been observed that when natural disasters strike, it is the aged who become vulnerable due to their immobility. They are also susceptible to diseases due to lack of immunity.

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The fact that a majority of the aged are from the developing countries places them economically and socially at the back foot. Extreme weather conditions and lack of food and drinking water add to their woes. It would be no exaggeration to say that climate change has been a cause of concern as it is already reflecting upon economies, agricultural production, food security, health, migration, displacement and urbanization. These are common challenges faced by ASEAN and India. Therefore, we have to pool in our scarce resources for optimum advantage, share experiences to maximize mutual benefit and develop people-centric technologies to create resilient and innovative communities in our march forward in the path for progress pushing the urge of Asian resurgence.

Therefore, it is time for us to move forward in combating the issues of environmental imbalances and the vulnerability to natural disasters by determining regional level commitments to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions, sharing of data and analysis, especially the findings of scientific research and technological innovation. As I mentioned earlier, climate change does not respect geographical boundaries; natural disasters do not recognize territorial sovereignty and the scourge of terrorism is not deterred by passports and visas. Hence, it would be beneficial for us to work together in a concerted manner and successfully confront common challenges with courage, confidence, conviction and cooperation. I am sure this Meeting will provide the right impetus to move forward together.

Thank you for your kind attention.

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STATEMENT BY MR MOTOME TAKISAWA, LEADER OF DELEGATION FOR JAPAN


Thank you, President. I am Motome Takisawa, the Leader of the Japanese Delegation. Your Excellencies, Speaker Tan Chuan-Jin of the Parliament of Singapore, and Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean, and ladies and gentlemen. I offer my congratulations to you on hosting the 39th AIPA General Assembly in beautiful Singapore and express my gratitude for your kind invitation.

ASEAN marked the 50th year of its establishment last year. As represented by East Asia Summit and ASEAN Regional Forum, ASEAN has developed into a hub for various cooperative mechanisms covering a large area extending to the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Another event that symbolizes this development was the first US-North Korea Summit Meeting held in Singapore in June of this year. In light of these developments, I would like to express my respect and appreciation for the very important role that ASEAN has played in promoting peace and prosperity in this region, and the many contributions that AIPA has made to establishing the democratic legitimacy of ASEAN through parliamentary engagement over a period of more than 40 years.

Today, ASEAN and the Indo-Pacific region stand at an extremely important crossroad in both national security and the economy.

First is the situation on the Korean Peninsula. Tensions have been easing thanks to North and South Korea Summit Meetings and the US-North Korea Summit Meeting. This easing of tensions provides a golden opportunity for realizing denuclearization and peace on the Korean Peninsula. The international community should support and promote these developments. For this purpose, it is important to implement the resolutions of the UN Security Council, and it is indispensable to maintain and reinforce countermeasures to ship-to-ship cargo transfer and to close other loopholes. As representatives of the people of your countries, I earnestly request that you urge your respective governments to ensure the full implementation of Security Council resolutions.

Another grave matter related to North Korea is the issue of abduction. This is a serious problem that concerns national sovereignty and the life and safety of citizens. Moreover, it represents an alarming violation of human rights and humanitarian principles as it has deprived the abductees of their precious future and aspirations, and torn them from their families and robbed them of time with loved ones. I wish to emphasize that the resolution of the issue of abduction stands together with the abandonment of nuclear weapons and missile development plans as a prerequisite to the acceptance of North Korea as a true member of the international community.

The second matter of concern is the world economy and international trade.

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Developments in the world economy have steadily deepened the interdependence of nations. On the other hand, anxiety and dissatisfaction with globalization have given rise to temptations of protectionism. This has generated a clash of interests among countries in this region also. However, worldwide peace and prosperity depends critically on promoting an international order based on rules, a continued battle against protectionism, and the preservation of a free and open international trading system. In order to realize a free and open Indo-Pacific region by strengthening linkages in the ASEAN region, Japan will continue to support the development of quality infrastructure. Japan will also work to further promote free trade through such frameworks as the Trans-Pacific Partnership and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership.

This year marks the 45th anniversary of friendship and cooperative relations between Japan and ASEAN. Japan was the first country to engage with ASEAN in summit and foreign ministers’ meetings, and the first to gain the status of ASEAN Dialogue Partner. The House of Councillors of the National Diet of Japan, of which I am a member, has established the Japan ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Exchange Group. The purpose of this group is to promote exchange with the parliamentarians of ASEAN countries. As a member of this association, I am committed to strengthening mutual exchange and cooperative relations between Japan and ASEAN.

In closing, I share with you my earnest hope that the discussions in this General Assembly will serve to further reinforce the relations of mutual trust between the parliamentarians of the ASEAN countries and observer countries.

Thank you.

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STATEMENT BY MS LYU WEI, LEADER OF DELEGATION FOR

THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA AT THE FIRST PLENARY SESSION

ON 4 SEPTEMBER 2018

Mr President, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Today, we are here in the beautiful country Singapore to attend the 39th AIPA General Assembly. On behalf of the Chinese delegation of the National People's Congress of China, I would like to express my warm congratulations on the opening of this meeting and my sincere thanks to the host, Singapore, for their thoughtful and considerate arrangements for the meeting.

The theme of this year's General Assembly is "Towards a Resilient and Innovative Community". ASEAN has long been focused on the building of a people-centered and law-based ASEAN Community, with emphasis on parliamentary cooperation among member States and the participation of civil society organizations. This coincides with the idea of "building a community with a shared future for mankind" put forward by Chinese President Xi Jinping, and fully manifests the mainstream aspirations of the vast majority of countries in the world, as well as the general expectations of all parties to ASEAN. Since its establishment more than 50 years ago, ASEAN has become a representative force in promoting regional integration and maintaining regional peace and stability. China congratulates ASEAN on its development achievements, endorses the building of an ASEAN community, supports ASEAN's central status in regional cooperation, and appreciates ASEAN for playing a greater role in international and regional affairs.

There is long-standing friendship between China and ASEAN countries, as we are good neighbours linked by mountains and rivers as well as close cultural bonds, and good partners for close cooperation and common development. Since the establishment of dialogue relations between China and ASEAN in 1991, and since the National People's Congress of China became an observer of the AIPA, the two sides have adhered to mutual respect, understanding, trust and support, with growing political mutual trust between us. Especially in recent years, under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, the two sides have achieved fruitful results in cooperation in various fields. China will make continuous efforts to upgrade China-ASEAN relationship into the most substantial and dynamic relations between ASEAN and its dialogue partners, and bring tangible benefits to both sides and their peoples, which will contribute to regional stability and prosperity, and peace and development of Asia and the world.

This year marks the 15th anniversary of the establishment of the China-ASEAN strategic partnership. The cooperation between our two sides faces an important opportunity and should move from the growth stage to a mature period of higher quality and at a higher level. In possession of the natural conditions to become a community with a shared future, China and

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ASEAN have always been the fellow travelers with the same destination in pursuing peace and development. China has always regarded ASEAN as the priority of its neighboring diplomacy, and is willing to plan with ASEAN for the long-term development of bilateral relations, jointly build new pillars of people-to-people exchanges and cooperation, and foster a higher level of China-ASEAN strategic partnership. We will build a stronger China-ASEAN community with a shared future and jointly build a more peaceful, stable and prosperous environment for regional cooperation.

Ladies and gentlemen, the AIPA serves as an important link between ASEAN countries to strengthen communication and exchanges, a crucial platform for regional countries to seek common development and deepen cooperation, and a vital player in the building of an ASEAN community. As an observer, the National People's Congress of China attaches great importance to exchanges and cooperation with the AIPA and actively participates in the AIPA General Assemblies upon invitation. As an old friend, we highly value friendly relations and good interaction with the parliaments of the AIPA member countries. Over the years, the National People's Congress and the parliaments of AIPA member countries have maintained various kinds of exchanges through extensive channels with fruitful results. The 13th National People’s Congress has established friendship groups with most of AIPA member parliaments. The above-mentioned exchanges have not only consolidated and furthered friendly cooperation, but also promoted mutual understanding and trust, and have become an important part of China-ASEAN cooperation. We are willing to work together with the AIPA and ASEAN parliaments to upgrade the friendship and cooperation between us.

Ladies and Gentlemen, last year, China successfully convened the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China. Under the leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, China has made historic achievements in all its undertakings. A historic change has taken place. We have defined the Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. At the same time, we have also made it clear that China's diplomacy in the new era will follow the principles of peace, development, cooperation, and win-win results, promote the building of a new type of international relations, and strive for the building of a community with a shared future for mankind. Its core values are mutual respect, fairness and justice, and win-win cooperation, with which we can build a clean and beautiful world of enduring peace, universal security, common prosperity, openness and inclusiveness. This strategy conforms to the trend of human development and progress and meets the common aspirations of all countries in the world. This year is also when the 13th NPC and its standing Committee start to perform their duties. We will follow the above principles and promote parliamentary exchanges with ASEAN countries through cooperation in the fields of legislation, law enforcement, and social affairs. We will lay a solid foundation for closer people-to-people ties.

Regarding the theme of this General Assembly, “Towards a Resilient and Innovative Community”, resilience is to better deal with and solve problems to achieve steady sustainable development, and innovation is to develop faster and more efficiently. My understanding is that this is a call on all of us to seek common development and overcome difficulties together with innovative thoughts and ways.

We should search for innovative development ways and explore growth potentials. Forty years ago, China launched reform and opening up. Over the past 40 years, the Chinese people have been committed to the philosophy that "development is the first priority" and "cross the river by feeling the stones" to explore a development path that suits China's national conditions, gradually established and continuously improved the socialist market economic system. Having worked hard and tenaciously for 40 years, earth-shaking changes have taken place in China.

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Today, China has become the world's second largest economy, with per capital GDP of over 8,800 USD, and have successfully lifted more than 700 million people out of poverty according to the current UN standard, accounting for more than 70 percent of the world total in poverty reduction in the same period. Nowadays, China is implementing the innovation-driven development strategy, and we will cooperate with ASEAN in an innovative way to solve our common development problems.

In the future, China's door will open wider, which is not only a profound summary of China's historical experience, but also a strategic choice for the future. By substantially relaxing market access, strengthening protection of intellectual property rights, taking the initiative to expand imports, and creating a more attractive investment environment, China will open wider to the outside world on a larger scale, in wider fields, and at a higher level. We hope this high level of openness will bring about high quality development. China has a huge market of more than 1.3 billion people. The expansion of the consumption scale and the upgrading of the consumption structure of more than 1.3 billion people are the major advantages of China's economic transformation and development, as well as the important foothold of China's expansion of domestic demand, economic transformation, and opening to the outside world, which will provide ASEAN with new opportunities for development.

Five years ago, Chinese President Xi Jinping put forward the Belt and Road Initiative. Over the past five years, under the Belt and Road framework, China has signed 118 cooperation agreements with 103 countries and international organizations, sharing opportunities, complementing each other's strengths, and achieving win-win results with participating countries, so as to promote regional economic development and world economic recovery. Thanks to China's initiative and great efforts, a series of multilateral financial mechanisms, such as the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and the Silk Road Fund, have made substantial progress to provide financial guarantee for the Belt and Road cooperation. ASEAN countries have actively participated in the building of the Belt and Road. Bearing in mind the principle of extensive consultation, joint contributions and win-win results, the two sides have engaged in comprehensive and practical cooperation in the fields of economy, trade, investment, infrastructure and the like, so as to effectively achieve win-win development. China welcomes friends of ASEAN countries to deepen cooperation, pursue common development, strengthen coordination, voice common aspirations, safeguard common interests and share the fruits of reforms with us.

China and ASEAN countries have always been in the same boat, constantly overcoming various difficulties and challenges. In 1997 and 2008, we joined hands to deal with the Asian financial crisis and the international financial crisis. In 2003 and 2004, we fought together against the SARS epidemic and the Indian Ocean tsunami. The people of both sides have always stood by to help each other and share weal and woe. In today's world, we are in a period of great development, great transformations, and great readjustment, in face of changes unprecedented in a century and the international landscape full of uncertainties. We are confronted with resurging anti-globalization ideology and protectionism, as well as ever-increasing risks and uncertainties in the economic situation. The times call on us to join hands once again to deal with them.

We wish to reiterate that China has always been a builder of world peace, a contributor to global development and a defender of the international order. China is ready to work with other countries to promote the development of the international order and the international system in a more just and reasonable direction. China's foreign trade and investment are not only for pursuing its own development and interests, but also for promoting the common economic development of all countries, driving world economic growth, and pushing international trade and investment rules towards a more reasonable and just direction. We would also like to emphasize that given the rise

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of unilateralism and trade protectionism in some countries, China's choice of opening up is for countries that abide by multilateral trade rules and will not sacrifice our own interests for this.

Ladies and Gentlemen, we sincerely wish to see better and faster development in ASEAN countries, and ASEAN as a community, in the future, thus to make greater contributions to promoting regional peace, stability, and prosperity, and bring more benefits to the people of ASEAN countries. I would also like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude to Singapore for its active role during its presidency of ASEAN and as the coordinator of China-ASEAN relations. China is willing to continue to uphold the principle of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness. By taking the 15th anniversary of the establishment of the China-ASEAN strategic partnership as an opportunity, we will focus both on the present and the future, and build a stronger China-ASEAN community with a shared future as a model for the Asian community with a shared future.

Thank you.

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STATEMENT BY MR LEE SOO-HYUCK, LEADER OF DELEGATION FOR THE

REPUBLIC OF KOREA AT THE FIRST PLENARY SESSION

ON 4 SEPTEMBER 2018

Honorable Speaker Tan Chuan-Jin and distinguished delegates.

This is Lee Soo-Hyuck, head of the delegation of the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea.

Let me begin by expressing my sincere gratitude to Speaker Tan Chuan-Jin, Parliament of the Republic of Singapore and the organizers for their outstanding work in putting this extraordinary General Assembly together. To mark the 30th anniversary of the Dialogue Relations with ASEAN, ROK’s strategic partner, a Special ASEAN-ROK Commemorative Summit will be held next year.

In addition, together with assemblyman Cheong Yang-Seog, who is here with me today, I have launched and assumed the chairmanship of the National Assembly’s ASEAN-ROK Forum on 22 February this year in order to diversify relations between ROK and ASEAN and boost parliamentary diplomacy. The ASEAN-ROK Forum at the National Assembly is currently comprised of 30 members of the Korean National Assembly. In June this year, a delegation from the Committee of Permanent Representatives (CPR) visited the Korean National Assembly and had a luncheon meeting with our Forum, agreed on the need for parliamentary diplomacy and exchanged views. Thus, it is a great pleasure to be able to address you on behalf of the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea here in Singapore in this meaningful year.

Since the inauguration last year, our new government has been strongly pushing forward the so-called, ‘New Southern Policy’ that seeks to enhance cooperation with countries located in the southern part of the Korean Peninsula including ASEAN countries. During his tour to Southeast Asia last November, President Moon Jae-In announced in front of you that he would place an unprecedented diplomatic priority on ASEAN by elevating relations with ASEAN and India to the same level as with the world’s four superpowers. Moreover, President Moon paid his first state visit to Vietnam in March this year, deepening the strategic cooperative partnership and laying a basis for win-win cooperation with ASEAN as an economic cooperative partner on the journey toward the next 25 years.

Hereupon, I would like to introduce the New Southern Policy.

The New Southern Policy is guided by three pillars of people, prosperity and peace aiming to build a community for the people that connects people to people and minds to minds; a community of co-existence and co-prosperity where ASEAN countries thrive together with

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reciprocal economic cooperation; and a community of peace that can contribute to peace across Asia through security cooperation.

While ROK-ASEAN relations were focused on economic aspect so far, this new policy places emphasis on reinforcing diplomatic, social and cultural cooperation through exchanges in all areas with ASEAN countries.

To be specific, our goal is to carry out state visits to and from 10 ASEAN countries by 2019; achieve an annual 15 million visitors to each side by 2020; and reach an annual 200 billion of two-way trade volume by 2020.

Also, the fact that the historic US-North Korea Summit was held right here in Singapore on June 12th this year is testament to the growing emphasis on the role of ASEAN in the rapidly changing North Korea’s nuclear situation since last year. I’d like to ask for your continued support required in the peace building process onwards.

Distinguished delegates, celebrating its 51st anniversary lately, ASEAN is embodying in itself the hopeful message that different countries can coexist in the landscape of international politics which is represented by power politics. Furthermore, ASEAN market that has formed an enormous economic bloc tantamount to that of China (with population of 650 million and GDP of $2.5 trillion) is expected to achieve an annual growth rate of 6 percent by 2030. ASEAN is already our second largest trading partner and investment destination, and it is inevitable for Korea to further enhance economic cooperation with ASEAN which is making remarkable development.

In particular, the philosophical basis of the New Southern Policy that puts people first is to realize a people-oriented, people-centered community. Through the New Southern Policy, Korea will redouble its efforts to seek closer cooperation in diverse fields and especially build a ‘people community’ with the ASEAN Community.

I’d like to ask for the ASEAN parliamentary leaders’ active engagement and support in ROK’s endeavor. Your support for ROK on the occasion of AIPA will serve as great energy and encouragement.

Also, I’d like to ask for your sincere interest in the National Assembly’s ASEAN-ROK Forum and help us make this forum playing much more than a bilateral parliamentary friendship role with individual ASEAN countries attending here in the capacity of AIPA Member States but rather comprehensively embracing ASEAN countries. Our Forum pledges to actively fulfil our role needed for legislation activities for the advancement of ROK-ASEAN ties.

Thank you very much for your attention.

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STATEMENT BY MR STEPAN ZHIRYAKOV, LEADER OF DELEGATION FOR RUSSIA


Your Excellency Mr. Chairman, Your Excellency AIPA Secretary General, Distinguished parliamentarians,

I would like to start by expressing our sincere gratitude on behalf of the Russian Federation for inviting our delegation to attend the 39th AIPA General Assembly.

Russia is a major Eurasian power, and two thirds of its territory is located in Asia. Therefore, developments in the Asia-Pacific Region have a major bearing on the future of our country. This region has firmly established itself is a global growth driver. It is for this reason that Russia’s priorities in Asia include promoting the dialogue partnership with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and transforming it into a strategic partnership.

Russia views ASEAN as one the most successful integration frameworks in Asia-Pacific. We share a common vision of today’s multipolar world order, and have similar or convergent perspectives on the ongoing global and regional developments.

In Russia, we believe that relations among states should be based on the principles of international law, as well as the norms, purposes and principles enshrined in the UN Charter, such as non-intervention in domestic affairs of sovereign states, and refraining from threat or use of force. The fact that ASEAN shares this vision provides a good foundation for Russia and ASEAN, together with other countries, to combine their efforts with the view to making the regional security and cooperation architecture resilient, inclusive and transparent.

Economic relations between Russia and ASEAN are gaining momentum. In 2017, Russia's trade with ASEAN increased by 35 percent. The updated Roadmap for Russia-ASEAN Trade & Economic and Investment Cooperation was adopted in 2017. It includes about 60 promising cooperation projects.

Private businesses and business associations make a substantial contribution to expanding our ties. We are glad to see Russia’s and ASEAN’s business associations step up their contacts, engage in mutually beneficial projects in the energy sector, agriculture, as well as efforts to promote cooperation among medium-sized enterprises. The Eastern Economic Forum, as an annual event held in Russia, serves as yet another platform for promoting these processes. We are looking forward to seeing guests from ASEAN at the 4th Eastern Economic Forum, to be held on September 11 and 12 in Vladivostok. Its program includes a Russia-ASEAN business dialog among side events.

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In this rapidly changing world, state-of-the-art technology plays an increasingly important role in all aspects of our everyday lives. It is obvious that we have to be mindful of this new reality in terms of governance and planning in order for it to foster the development of our nations. In this regard, ASEAN and Russia are guided by similar priorities.

By adopting a Strategy for Innovative Development until 2020, Russia committed itself to pursuing the long-term objective of improving the wellbeing of its people and enhancing its geopolitical standing as a major power that can define the global political agenda. Adopting an innovative development model and placing people at its core is the best way to deliver on these objectives.

We have adopted laws and enacted regulations in order to put this development model into action. At this stage, we are focused on improving education, promoting research and development, technology and innovation, as well as creating an enabling environment for children and teenagers so that they can excel in science and technology. Another objective is to ensure that state-owned companies adopt and implement innovative development programs. We are also working on stimulating demand for innovation, upgrading R&D, creating financial infrastructure for the innovative industries; putting in place mechanisms for enabling innovative companies to protect their intellectual property rights; expanding Russia’s involvement in global processes related to creating and using innovation. Russia also has a program for developing regional innovation clusters.

Promoting innovation in various areas of human activity is the leading message behind Russia’s bid to host the 2025 World Expo in Yekaterinburg. The proposed theme for this World Expo is “Changing the World: Innovations and Better Life for Future Generations.” This theme is in tune with the initiative put forward by Singapore as part of its ASEAN Chairmanship to create an ASEAN Smart Cities Network.

The concept of an ASEAN Smart Cities Network is of great interest for Russia, since it implies introducing innovative solutions and digitizing the urban economy. It also provides for comprehensive development of housing and transport infrastructure, water and waste management, etc. We are ready to contribute to this program by taking further steps to facilitate greater connectivity within ASEAN and narrow the development gap among ASEAN member countries.

On behalf of the Russian Federation, I wish you every success in implementing this initiative. We also hope that ASEAN members will support Russia’s bid to host the 2025 World Expo in Yekaterinburg.

The Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation has a long track record of cooperation with the parliaments of ASEAN member countries. We regularly exchange bilateral and multilateral delegations.

Parliamentarians showed that they pursue the same interests and share the same goals when they came together in St. Petersburg in October 2017 for the 137th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU). This momentous event showed that parliamentary diplomacy has the power to deliver. In fact, the UN General Assembly supported proposals put forward by Russia at the IPU Assembly to create an International Day of Parliamentarism and to convene a World Conference on Inter-Faith and Inter-Ethnic Dialogue. This topic is very much relevant for ASEAN member countries.

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We believe that promoting creative and unifying initiatives is one of the main purposes of inter-parliamentary cooperation.

We are looking forward for women from ASEAN to take an active part in the Second Eurasian Women’s Forum that will take place in St. Petersburg between September 20 and 21, just as they did three years ago at the first Eurasian Women’s Forum in 2015. The theme for this year’s forum is “Women for Global Security and Sustainable Development.” One of its sessions will be devoted to ensuring equal opportunities in the digital era (The Age of Digitalization: Equality of Opportunities). During a workshop titled “Women and the Technologies of the Fourth Industrial Revolution in APEC Economies” participants will discuss the female agenda within APEC in 2019-2020.

Distinguished colleagues, the fact that cooperation between Russia and ASEAN member countries has reached such a high level demonstrates the need to further strengthen and expand our inter-parliamentary contacts.

I have no doubt that the 39th AIPA General Assembly will pave the way to concrete decisions that contribute to strengthening the legislative foundation on which ASEAN stands.

In conclusion, I would like to extend on behalf of the Russian delegation our sincere gratitude to the host country for the warm and hospitable welcome we received in Singapore, and for organizing this assembly at such a high level.

Distinguished colleagues, thank you for your attention.

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STATEMENT BY MS MARIA ANGELINA SARMENTO, LEADER OF DELEGATION FOR

TIMOR LESTE AT THE FIRST PLENARY SESSION

ON 4 SEPTEMBER 2018

Mr President, Distinguish Members of the Assembly,

I would like to start my remarks by thanking the exceptional hospitality Singapore extend to all of us. It is really a pleasure to be here and testify the Singaporean economic miracle. A bit more than 50 years of independence made this fabulous country. It is really outstanding and inspiring, especially for a new country like Timor-Leste.

It is also a pleasure to participate in the AIPA General Assembly, an organization that affirms the importance of Parliaments within the ASEAN region.

I anticipate the organizations like AIPA are going to have greater role in the future, mostly because the importance of Parliaments in the world is increasing. Not only because they are fundamental links to the citizens but because Parliaments assume a relevant role in understanding changes in the new dynamic of the world. As you all know the last decade brought us new challenges and we are still fighting to understand them all thoroughly.

Besides that, Parliaments truly represent the diversity in society and the views of its constituents to overcome possible divisions and supporting the development of country.

Parliaments also play an important role in managing crisis, that today seem even more complex than ever. We should understand that crisis often occurs because the will of the people is no longer the basis of the authority of a government that has ceased to be transparent and accountable. And, in those circumstances, an effective Parliament can intermediate the relation between the citizens, political factions and the Government in a very effective way. In my opinion the only way, through political dialogue.

Mr. President, Distinguish Members of the Assembly. It is because we find AIPA role highly relevant in the region that we are always very keen to be part of this event as an observer, although the National Parliament of Timor-Leste would be very glad to be able to participate as a full member in the near future.

I am referring to the Timor-Leste accession process into ASEAN. As the map shows, Timor-Leste is part of southeast Asia and its membership is a matter of belonging. Timor-Leste is a Southeast Asian country. It belongs within its family in ASEAN.

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The enlargement to Timor-Leste will also bring many advantages to ASEAN. This can be also an advantage for ASEAN as successful foreign policy tool, by exporting stability and economic well-being.

Timor-Leste has been very active internationally, investing in the region and in the world in its affirmation has an international player. From the inception of the g7+ group of 20 countries that strive for an agenda to move from a fragility to a resilience state. The financial and technical support Timor-Leste gave to the elections in Guinea-Bissau and the very positive negotiation with Australia for the maritime boundaries are all cases of success that show that Timor-Leste is active within the international arena.

Timor-Leste can also become a bridge to the Portuguese speaking countries. A privilege way to access markets like Brazil, Portugal, to Angola and Mozambique and of course with the European Union, with whom Timor-Leste keeps a very special relationship.

Considering the geographic position of Timor-Leste, it is easy to see that we can enable a wide scope of connectivity, from the Pacific to the Indian Ocean, among the pacific islands to Oceania regions by sea or by plane.

Timor-Leste will also enrich and invigorate ASEAN, by bringing its own specific traditions, contributing for the diverse mosaic of culture that makes ASEAN stronger and sounder.

Timor-Leste is the missing piece to complete the ASEAN puzzle, that would build in a the complete Southeast Asia countries bloc in one organization. To make ASEAN voice stronger and louder and its values respected.

Besides all these reasons, several studies were conducted concluding that, in general, Timor-Leste has already its economic principles and frameworks consistent with ASEAN standards and vision of integration. Timor-Leste only needs to address a few gaps and intensify its economic diversification.

Over the time, and since independence in 2002, we have established diplomatic relations with all ASEAN member countries. Also ASEAN countries are the major trading partner of Timor-Leste, making already the economic ties very strong.

Mr. President, Distinguish Members of AIPA. Hoping that the moment of reunion with our brother nations won´t last much longer, I would like to conclude on an optimistic note, not only towards ASEAN but to Parliaments as institutions. Looking back over the last 25 years we have witnessed a renewed commitment to parliaments and their central role in democracy. Never before in human history have so many countries included a parliament in their system of governance as today, nor have so many parliaments been the outcome of open political competition through free and fair elections. AIPA is an organization that mirrors this fabulous trend and this general assembly is a clear example of it. We just hope Timor-Leste can be part of that common regional voice in fostering ASEAN globally into the future.

Thank you!

ANNEX L

REPORT OF THE MEETING OF WOMEN PARLIAMENTARIANS

OF AIPA (WAIPA)

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Doc 39GA/2018/WAIPA Rep

REPORT OF THE MEETING OF WOMEN PARLIAMENTARIANS OF AIPA

(WAIPA) Mr President, It is my great honour to submit the following Report of the Meeting of Women Parliamentarians of AIPA (WAIPA). 2 The Meeting was held on 4 September 2018 at 2.00 pm. It was presided over by Ms Sylvia Lim of the Parliament of Singapore as the Chairperson, and Miss Cheng Li Hui of the Parliament of Singapore was the Rapporteur. The following delegates attended the meeting:

Brunei Darussalam a) Ms Siti Rozaimeriyanty Haji Abdul Rahman b) Ms Nik Hafimi Abdul Haadi c) Miss Khairunnisa Haji Ash'ari Cambodia a) Mrs Mean Som An b) Mrs Khoun Khun Dy Indonesia a) Dr Nurhayati Ali Assegaf b) Mrs Kartika Yudhisti c) Mrs Amelia Anggraini d) Mrs Endang S. Handayani Lao PDR a) Dr Phonephet Boupha b) Mrs Thatsadaphone Sengsouliya

Malaysia a) Ms Kasthuriraani Patto b) Mrs Hajah Natrah Ismail c) Datin Mastura Binti Mohd Yazid d) Dato Hajah Hanifah Hajar Taib e) Datuk Wira Hajah Mas Ermieyati Binti Samsudin Myanmar a) Mrs Pyone Kathy Naing b) Ms Htoot May

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Philippines a) Mrs Rose Marie J. Arenas b) Mrs Mercedes K. Alvarez c) Mrs Evelina G. Escudero d) Dr Elisa T. Kho e) Mrs Maria Lourdes R. Aggabao f) Mrs Maria Lourdes Acosta-Alba Singapore a) Ms Tin Pei Ling b) Ms Joan Pereira

Thailand a) Mrs Bilaibhan Sampatisiri b) Mrs Saowanee Suwannacheep c) Khunying Songsuda Yodmani Vietnam a) Mrs Le Thu Ha b) Mrs Dinh Thi Phuong Lan c) Mrs Dang Thi My Huong d) Mrs Mai Thi Phuong Hoa

3 The Meeting of the Committee of Women Parliamentarians of AIPA (WAIPA) was held in the traditional ASEAN spirit of friendship, unity and cooperation. The following Resolutions were discussed and approved:

a) Resolution on Promoting Women’s Entrepreneurship for Development

4 The WAIPA Meeting unanimously urged AIPA Member Parliaments and ASEAN Member States to recognise the importance of gender equality and women entrepreneurship and emphasised that barriers need to be removed so that women have equal access to opportunities in education and employment, enabling them to seize economic opportunities.

5 The meeting focused on the importance of raising basic awareness and exposure of women’s entrepreneurship for development.

6 The meeting recommended that national chambers of commerce and industry in ASEAN should support the expansion of market opportunities and increase business linkages within ASEAN member states.

7 After discussion, the committee members agreed to adopt one additional operative paragraph proposed by the Indonesian delegation on the need to strengthen the supportive environment for socially and environmentally responsible entrepreneurship, particularly to provide marketing support to women entrepreneurships to ensure that the businesses they own and lead are sustainable.

b) Resolution on Empowering Women in ASEAN to Harness the Potential of

Industrial Revolution 4.0

8 The delegates of the WAIPA Meeting encouraged AIPA Member Parliaments to strengthen joint efforts in harnessing new technologies to tackle inequality in all forms,

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including social and economic inequality, to achieve inclusive growth in ASEAN member states. The meeting also acknowledged that Industrial Revolution 4.0 requires enhancement of accessibility for more geographical areas within countries.

9 The meeting called upon ASEAN Member States to provide training for women towards the elimination of the skills gap and digital illiteracy by enhancing public and private collaboration, as well as maintaining efforts to increase the number of girls in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education. 10 I hereby present the Report of the Meeting of Women Parliamentarians of AIPA (WAIPA) with the approved resolutions to the 39th General Assembly of AIPA. Thank you.

MS SYLVIA LIM CHAIRPERSON

MISS CHENG LI HUI RAPPORTEUR

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(Res 39GA/2018/WAIPA/01)

RESOLUTION ON

PROMOTING WOMEN’S ENTREPRENEURSHIP FOR DEVELOPMENT

The Thirty-Ninth General Assembly:

Affirming the commitment of ASEAN Member States to achieve the ASEAN Community

Vision 2025, including advancing gender equality and women’s economic empowerment;

Reaffirming the support of AIPA member parliaments for the ASEAN Strategic Action Plan

for SME Development 2016-2025 and the ASEAN Committee on Women Work Plan 2016-

2020;

Recognising the importance of gender equality and women entrepreneurship, women must

have equal access to education, employment and entrepreneurship in their respective

economies to enable them to seize economic opportunities throughout their lifetime;

Recalling the Action Agenda on Mainstreaming Women’s Economic Empowerment in

ASEAN adopted at the 31st ASEAN Summit on 13 November 2017 in Manila which aims to

empower women in regional economic activities and provide an enabling environment where

micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) can thrive and prosper;

Recognising that MSMEs are key drivers of inclusive and innovative growth in the ASEAN

region and catalysing women’s entrepreneurship can have a positive impact on women’s

economic empowerment;

Commending the efforts undertaken by ASEAN Member States – in particular the ASEAN

Committee on Women (ACW), ASEAN Coordinating Committee on Micro, Small and

Medium Enterprises (ACMSME), ASEAN Women Entrepreneurs’ Network (AWEN) and

ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) – to strengthen women’s

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entrepreneurship, including the conduct of the ASEAN Women Business Conference on 28

August to 1 September 2017 in Manila.

Hereby resolves to:

Support the ASEAN Strategic Action Plan for SME Development 2016-2025, particularly to

promote entrepreneurship and human capital development by taking actions to promote

entrepreneurship education, enhance management and/or technical skills of women and youth

entering into the workforce, and provide a platform to promote and facilitate women’s

participation in MSMEs;

Urge ASEAN Member States to effectively implement the six key areas under the Action

Agenda on Mainstreaming Women’s Economic Empowerment in ASEAN, including investing

in programmes to help women MSMEs participate in inclusive and innovative businesses;

Promote an enabling environment by removing all barriers for women’s entrepreneurship for

development through awareness raising and enhanced access to financial education, financial

resources, capacity building, including strengthening of capacity of women entrepreneurs to

utilise ICT to support their businesses;

Strengthen the supportive environment for socially and environmentally responsible

entrepreneurship, such as mentoring, providing access to finance and marketing support;

Call on AIPA Member Parliaments to enhance policies, programmes and strategies to close

remaining gaps, including in education attainment and access to the labour market, to promote

women’s economic empowerment and entrepreneurship opportunities; and

Recommend AIPA Member Parliaments to support regional cooperation amongst national

chambers of commerce and industry in ASEAN, in particular on strengthening entrepreneurial

capacity building, knowledge and experience sharing on business management as well as to

support the expansion of market opportunities and increase in business linkages among and

within the ASEAN Member States.

Adopted on the Sixth day of September 2018 in Singapore.

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(Res 39GA/2018/WAIPA/02)

RESOLUTION ON EMPOWERING WOMEN IN ASEAN TO HARNESS THE POTENTIAL OF INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION 4.0


Recalling paragraphs 6.i. and 51 of the ASEAN Economic Blueprint 2025, on the creation of a

deeply integrated and highly cohesive ASEAN economy that would support sustained high

economic growth and resilience in facing global economic shocks and volatilities, and the

aspiration to propel ASEAN towards a digitally-enabled economy that is secure, sustainable and

transformative, and to further leverage ICT to enable an innovative, inclusive, and integrated

ASEAN;

Considering that industrial revolution 4.0 has brought about the digitisation of everything and

offers new tools for smarter energy consumption, greater information storage, and real-time

yield optimisation that will benefit MSMEs;

Noting the adoption of Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity (MPAC 2025) which focuses on

five strategies area; sustainable infrastructure, digital innovation, seamless logistic, regulatory

excellence and people mobility;

Acknowledging that industrial revolution 4.0 requires digital inclusivity and literacy,

accessibility, accountability, fairness, data protection, integrated and coordinated legal

frameworks;

Stressing the need for the AIPA Member Parliaments to strengthen joint efforts on harnessing

new technologies to tackle inequality and achieve inclusive growth in ASEAN Member States.

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Hereby resolves to:

Call upon AIPA Member Parliaments to identify and amend their regulations as necessary to

harness the full potential and benefits of industrial revolution 4.0 to all women in ASEAN, as

well as mitigate its challenges including digital privacy and security risks;

Call upon ASEAN Member States to prioritise and invest in digital infrastructure in order to

unlock growth in ASEAN’s digital economy as well as work together toward cross border

infrastructure development;

Call upon ASEAN Member States to provide training for women towards the elimination of the

skills gap and digital illiteracy by enhancing public and private collaborations as well as

maintaining efforts to increase the number of girls in Science, Technology, Engineering, and

Mathematics (STEM) education;

Encourage governments of ASEAN Member States to bring policy changes to enhance the

competitiveness of women in MSMEs through access to technology and innovation in parallel to

access to finance and markets; and

Urge governments of ASEAN Member States to support innovation-led growth by maintaining

stable macroeconomic conditions.


ANNEX M

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON POLITICAL MATTERS

M1




Doc 39GA/2018/Pol Rep

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON POLITICAL MATTERS

Mr President, It is my great honour to submit the following Report of the Committee on Political Matters. 2 The Committee met on 5 September 2018 at 9.12 am. The meeting was presided over by Dr Teo Ho Pin of the Parliament of Singapore as the Chairperson, and Ms Rahayu Mahzam of the Parliament of Singapore was the Rapporteur. The following delegates attended the meeting:

Brunei Darussalam a) Ms Nik Hafimi Abdul Haadi b) Mr Pg Haji Ali Pengiran Maon Cambodia a) Mr Yang Sem Indonesia a) Dr Fadli Zon b) Ms Nurhayati Ali Assegaf c) Mr Jazuli Juwaini

Lao PDR a) Prof Dr Eksavang Vongvichit b) Mr Viengthavisone Thephachanh Malaysia a) Dato’ Haji Mohd Rashid bin Hasnon b) Mrs Kasthuriraani Patto c) Mr Syed Ibrahim Bin Syed Noh d) Mr Awang Bin Hashim e) Mr Hasanuddin Bin Mohd Yunus f) Datuk Megat Zulkarnain Tan Sri Datuk Wira Omardin g) Mr Nur Azman Abdul Rahmin Myanmar a) Mr Zaw Thein b) Ms Su Su Lwin

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Philippines a) Ms Rose Marie Arenas b) Mr Raneo Abu c) Ms Mercedes Alvarez d) Ms Maria Lourdes Aggabao Singapore a) Mr Vikram Nair b) Mr Desmond Choo c) Mr Muhamad Faisal Manap d) Mr Lim Biow Chuan

Thailand a) Assoc. Prof. Taweesak Suthakavatin b) ADM Saksith Cherdboonmuang c) ADM Krisda Charoenpanich d) Mr Thani Onlahiad Vietnam a) Mr Nguyen Van Giau b) Mr Nguyen Minh Duc c) Mr Hoang Thanh Tung d) Mr Don Tuan Phong

4 The Committee met and discussed at length various issues related to the seven draft resolutions, viz.

a) Report of the ASEAN-AIPA Interface at the 30th ASEAN Summit

b) Report of the 9th AIPA Caucus Meeting

c) Strengthening ASEAN Resilience against Terrorism and other Emerging Security Challenges

d) Collection and Exchange of Information on Laws of AIPA

e) Enhancing Cooperation on Maritime Security in ASEAN

f) Humanitarian Situation in Myanmar

g) Formalizing the Support by (1) the Committee of Permanent Representatives (CPR)

To ASEAN and (2) ASEAN Ambassadors to ASEAN Member States to ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA)

5 No resolution was adopted. 6 I hereby present the Report of the Committee on Political Matters to the 39th General Assembly of AIPA. Thank you.

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DR TEO HO PIN CHAIRPERSON

MS RAHAYU MAHZAM RAPPORTEUR

ANNEX N

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON THE ECONOMIC MATTERS

1




Doc 39GA/2018/Econ Rep

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC MATTERS

Mr President, It is my great honour to submit the following Report of the Committee on Economic Matters. 2 The Committee met on 5 September 2018 at 9.00 am. The meeting was chaired by Mr Liang Eng Hwa of the Parliament of Singapore, and Mr Chong Kee Hiong of the Parliament of Singapore served as the Rapporteur. The following delegates attended the meeting:

Brunei Darussalam a) Ms Siti Rozaimeriyanty Haji Abdul Rahman b) Mr Ong Tiong Oh Cambodia a) Mr Prak Cham Roeun b) Mr Khieu Muth Indonesia a) Mr Juliari P Batubara b) Mrs Endang S Handayani Lao PDR a) Dr Vilayvong Bouddakham b) Mr Bounpone Sisoulath Malaysia a) Mr Nga Kor Ming b) Mr Wong Chen c) Mr Akmal Nasrullah Bin Mohd Nasir Myanmar a) Mr Naing Htoo Aung b) Mr Bo Bo Oo

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Philippines a) Mrs Evelina G. Escudero b) Mr Rodrigo A. Abellanosa Singapore a) Ms Foo Mee Har b) Mr Melvin Yong c) Ms K Thanaletchimi

Thailand a) Mrs Saowanee Suwannacheep b) Ms Orajit Singkalavanich c) Assoc Prof Sarana Boonbaichaiyapruck Vietnam a) Mr Duong Quoc Anh b) Mr Nguyen Huu Quang

3 The meeting of the Committee on Economic Matters was held in the traditional ASEAN spirit of friendship, unity and cooperation. The following Resolutions were discussed and approved:

a) Resolution on Strengthening Cooperation to Promote Cross-Border Data Flows in ASEAN The Committee agreed on the strengthening of cooperation to promote cross-border data flows and acknowledged that there exists a need among ASEAN Member States to work collectively on related cybersecurity issues and capacity building initiatives. The Committee unanimously agreed that the AIPA Member Parliaments should encourage the governments to review and consider harmonising policies on data protection so as to balance the rights of individuals and businesses in the ASEAN region. On a proposal to work towards harmonizing the laws and regulations among ASEAN, it was acknowledged that it might be challenging to harmonise legal frameworks and proposed to acknowledge this point.

b) Resolution on Promoting Innovation and e-Commerce in ASEAN

The Committee stressed the important role of the digital economy in changing the pace of global trade, driving economic growth, promoting innovative development and increasing economic participation in ASEAN. In furtherance of this, The Committee agreed on the need to promote innovation and e-commerce in ASEAN through the development of ICT infrastructure, to improve internet speed and coverage, and ensure reliability so as to attract investment and promote business development and cost effectiveness.

c) Resolution on Deepening Regional Economic Integration in ASEAN

The Committee recalled and fully endorsed the vision of the ASEAN Economic Community 2025 in creating a deeply integrated and highly cohesive ASEAN

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economy that would support sustained high economic growth and resilience. In similar vein, the Committee also discussed the importance of deepening regional economic integration in ASEAN and reaffirmed their commitment to highly integrated and cohesive economies achieving free and open markets in ASEAN. It was hoped that this would result in job creation and the improvement of living standards.

d) Resolution on Good Regulatory Practices in the ASEAN Economic Integration

The Committee unanimously agreed to the draft resolution on Good Regulatory Practices (GRP) to support integration in ASEAN. The Committee agreed to recognize the six GRP Core Principles which were identified as relevant areas of focus, given the current development of GRP in both the ASEAN region and globally. The delegates agreed that GRP would seek to improve ASEAN’s competitiveness and enhance engagement with the stakeholders. The Committee agreed to periodically review GRPs with the view of improving the existing regulation on GRP and enhancing engagement of stakeholders in the implementation of GRP

e) Resolution on Regional Effort to Address the Impact of Global Trade Tension

Between Economic Powerhouses The Committee recalled the ASEAN Charter which called for an adherence to multilateral trade rules and a rules-based regime for implementation of economic commitments and the reduction of all barriers to regional economic integration. The Committee unanimously agreed to enhance ASEAN’s commitment to address the impact of global trade tension. The Committee agreed that an open and transparent trading system would contribute to inclusive global growth and sustainable development. The Committee further stressed on the need for global economic powerhouses to restrain and refrain from exercising unilateral measures and highlighted on the importance to promote shared growth and prosperity for the people in the region.

The approved resolution is attached as an annex in this report.

4 I hereby present the Report of the Committee on Economic Matters to the 39th General Assembly of AIPA. Thank you. MR LIANG ENG HWA CHAIRPERSON

MR CHONG KEE HIONG RAPPORTEUR

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(Res 39GA/2018/Econ/01)

RESOLUTION ON STRENGTHENING COOPERATION TO PROMOTE CROSS-BORDER

DATA FLOWS IN ASEAN


Being cognisant that as ASEAN develops its digital economy, the growth of e-commerce and

online transactions will generate data, and that robust and progressive policies and governance

frameworks will be needed to ensure that data, especially personal data, is transferred between

jurisdictions safely;

Recognising that these policies and frameworks would facilitate cross-border data flows and e-

commerce, enabling ASEAN businesses to innovate and develop a wide range of products and

services for consumers both within and beyond the region in a manner that safeguards consumer

trust;

Aware that ASEAN has made important progress towards realising the Master Plan on ASEAN

Connectivity (MPAC) 2025, which was adopted by the Vientiane Declaration on 6 September

2016, under which digital innovation has been earmarked as one of the strategic pillars of

growth for the region;

Welcoming ASEAN’s discussions regarding cooperation on data governance, data protection,

and cross-border data flows both within ASEAN platforms and regional cooperation platforms

such as the ASEAN Telecommunications and IT Ministers Meeting (TELMIN), ASEAN

Telecommunications and IT Senior Officials Meeting (TELSOM), and ASEAN Economic

Ministers Meeting (AEM) and other relevant sectoral bodies such as the ASEAN Ministerial

Meeting on Transnational Crime (AMMTC);

Recognising the outcomes of the 16th TELMIN in November 2016 in Bandar Seri Begawan,

Brunei Darussalam, which adopted the ASEAN Framework on Personal Data Protection,

establishing a baseline set of principles to guide the implementation of measures at both the

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national and regional levels to promote and strengthen data protection among ASEAN Member

States;

Recognising also the outcomes of the 17th TELMIN in November 2017 in Siem Reap,

Cambodia, which endorsed the Work Plan for the ASEAN Framework on Digital Data

Governance and Related Working Group to develop a regional framework to support and

enhance data management among ASEAN Member States, and to achieve legal and regulatory

convergence in the fields of data protection and cross-border data transfers within ASEAN;

Mindful that despite these commendable efforts, there remain limitations and challenges to

regional cooperation on data governance and cross-border data flows, particularly relating to the

harmonisation of data protection legislation and alignment with other international frameworks;

Further aware of the important role played by the legislative bodies of ASEAN Member States

in the promotion and development of domestic data governance and data protection regulations

as well as mechanisms to facilitate international cooperation.

Hereby resolves to:

Call upon AIPA Member Parliaments to encourage their respective governments to develop and

implement a common regulatory framework for forward-looking, facilitative policies on data

protection, data governance, and cross-border data flows that strengthen integration among

ASEAN Member States and enable the development of a regional digital market and to support

regional and global e-commerce;

Encourage communication and information sharing within ASEAN and between ASEAN and

its partners to exchange ideas on data governance and data protection, as well as enhance

regional cooperation for effective enforcement and monitoring;

Encourage ASEAN Member States to cooperate on capacity building in data protection and

digital data management to support innovation among businesses across ASEAN in a manner

that safeguards consumer trust, especially small and medium enterprises seeking to expand

regionally or even globally;

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Remain cognisant of the importance of cybersecurity, in recognition that cybercrime and

cyberattacks continue to pose a threat and that there is a need among ASEAN Member States to

work collectively on related cybersecurity issues and capacity building initiatives;

Further strengthen cooperation to integrate ASEAN into the digital economy by exploring

internationally-accepted frameworks to promote competitiveness in the global market.

Urge the governments of the AIPA Member Parliaments to review and consider harmonising

policies on data protection so as to balance the rights of individuals and businesses in the

ASEAN region.


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(Res 39GA/2018/Econ/02)

RESOLUTION ON PROMOTING INNOVATION AND E-COMMERCE IN ASEAN


Recognising the important role of the Digital Economy in changing the pace of global trade,

driving economic growth, promoting innovative development and increasing economic

participation in ASEAN;

Cognisant that the Fourth Industrial Revolution has brought about unprecedented, rapid,

transformative, and irreversible changes to the way we produce, work, live and interact;

Acknowledging the need to address opportunities and challenges offered by the revolution in

information and communication technology (ICT) and electronic commerce (e-Commerce);

Recalling the AEC Blueprint 2025 which recognises that e-commerce has been an increasingly

vital element of the global economy as part of a retailer’s multi-channel strategy. In a globalised

world interconnected through ICT, e-commerce plays a key role not only in cross-border trade,

but also in facilitating foreign investment through the supply of intermediary services. Electronic

commerce has significantly lowered barriers to entry and operating costs for businesses, and is

particularly beneficial for MSMEs;

Recalling the AIPA Resolution on “Promoting an Inclusive and Innovation-led Growth for the

ASEAN Economic Community (AEC)” adopted during the 38th AIPA General Assembly in the

Philippines, in 2017;

Encouraged by the Chairman’s Statement of the 32nd ASEAN Summit issued in Singapore on

the 28 April 2018 calling for ASEAN Member States to leverage on innovation and technology

to improve the lives of our people and to recognise the importance of capitalizing on the

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opportunities presented by the digital age, and the need to promote cross-border e-commerce in

region;

Acknowledging the ASEAN 2018 economic priority deliverables in the area of innovation,

including the finalisation of the ASEAN Agreement on Electronic Commerce and the Digital

Integration Framework.

Hereby resolves to:

Urge the respective ASEAN governments to deepen cooperation to facilitate cross-border e-

commerce transactions, promote the creation of an environment of trust and confidence in the

use of e-commerce, and further develop and intensify the use of e-Commerce to drive economic

growth and social development in the region;

Reaffirm ASEAN Member States’ commitment to advance trade rules in e-commerce, lower

businesses’ operating barriers to entry and build up greater digital connectivity in the region;

Accelerate the growth of the Digital Economy through strengthening cooperation in approaches

to regulation including international and technical standards, while respecting each

government’s choice of policies which are consistent with domestic situations and international

legal obligations;

Promote cooperation on harnessing the opportunities brought by the Digital Economy,

encourage the sharing of best practices on the business transformation between businesses and

with governments to ensure capacity building amongst ASEAN Member States, while working

bridging the digital divide;

Encourage the development of policies to support and globalise MSMEs and individual

entrepreneurs to use ICTs to enhance productivity, nurture innovation, improve competitiveness,

and address challenges to access new markets;

Urge ASEAN governments to identify gaps in Internet access, affordability and network

interoperability, promote affordable and universal broadband access, and develop an enabling

and competitive environment with pro-investment policies for the development of digital

infrastructure so as to support the Digital Economy;

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Promote cooperation on cross-border data flows, while respecting applicable domestic laws and

regulations and collaborating to promote regulatory approaches that provide appropriate

legitimate consumer protection to enable cross-border data flows;

Promote innovation and e-commerce in ASEAN through the development of ICT infrastructure

to improve internet speed and coverage, ensure reliability so as to attract investment and

promote business development and cost effectiveness.


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(Res 39GA/2018/Econ/03)

RESOLUTION ON DEEPENING REGIONAL ECONOMIC INTEGRATION IN ASEAN

The Thirty-Ninth AIPA General Assembly:

Recalling AIPA Resolution on “Promoting an Inclusive and Innovation-led Growth for the

ASEAN Economic Community (AEC)” adopted during the 38th AIPA General Assembly in the

Philippines;

Recognising the importance of international trade to stimulate economic growth, support job

creation and drive prosperity and development;

Recalling the vision of the AEC 2025 to create a deeply integrated and highly cohesive ASEAN

economy that would support sustained high economic growth and resilience even in the face of

global economic shocks and volatilities;

Acknowledging that the Fourth Industrial Revolution and the digital economy will bring about

meaningful benefits and create new opportunities, and open up new markets for innovative

products and services;

Recognising further that regional economic integration is a dynamic, ongoing process and is an

instrumental element in sustaining ASEAN’s economic growth and development, as well as in

reinforcing ASEAN centrality in the emerging regional economic architecture by maintaining

ASEAN’s role as the centre and facilitator of economic integration in the East Asian region.

Hereby resolves to:

Reaffirm our commitment to highly integrated and cohesive economies in ASEAN and the

importance of international trade to job creation and the improvement of living standards;

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Call upon AIPA Member Parliaments to encourage ASEAN Member States to further broaden

and deepen services integration within ASEAN, develop more facilitative regulatory regimes,

enhance ASEAN Member States’ competitiveness in services, and improve the services sector’s

contribution to ASEAN’s economic development and growth;

Call upon AIPA Member Parliaments to urge their governments to review their domestic laws

and regulations to facilitate the elimination or reduction of trade and investment restrictions,

barriers, impediments and so as to further enhance ASEAN’s openness and attractiveness as a

trade and investment destination;

Emphasise the need for ASEAN Member States to ensure that their regulatory regimes remain

relevant, robust, effective, transparent, and forward looking, in terms of regulatory structures,

design and implementation, to support the growth of a dynamic and integrated ASEAN;

Underscore the importance for all ASEAN Member States to continue implementing policies

and initiatives aimed at reducing cross-border trade costs, promoting predictability in customs

procedures, and supporting trade facilitation in the ASEAN region, through simplified electronic

processes at ports of entry via the National Single Windows and the ASEAN Single Window;

Reiterate our resolve to address non-tariff measures (NTMs) to reduce their trade restrictive and

barrier effects;

Reaffirm our commitment to create an open, transparent and predictable investment

environment, including improving investment restrictions and impediments, in order to enhance

ASEAN’s attractiveness as an investment destination;

Call upon AIPA Member Parliaments to urge their governments to strengthen cooperation

between ASEAN Member States to promote good regulatory practices in the preparation,

adoption and application of standards, technical regulations and conformity assessment

procedures, so as to create a conducive environment for doing business and minimise

compliance cost for regulations;

Encourage closer collaboration within ASEAN Member States to promote cooperation to

strengthen regulatory coherence and build capabilities in other areas, such as energy efficiency,

N9

natural gas and renewable energy, as part of ASEAN’s goals of energy security, accessibility

and sustainability.


N10




(Res 39GA/2018/Econ/04)

RESOLUTION ON IMPLEMENTATION OF GOOD REGULATORY PRACTICES TO

SUPPORT ECONOMIC INTEGRATION IN ASEAN


Recalling the ASEAN Economic Community Blueprint 2025, particularly the Element B.7:

“Effective, Efficient, Coherent and Responsive Regulations, and Good Regulatory Practices”

under the characteristics of A Competitive, Innovative and Dynamic ASEAN;

Considering the ASEAN Work Plan on Good Regulatory Practices (GRP) 2016-2025 endorsed

by the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) Council Ministers in April 2017, which

contributes to economic integration, social development and environmental protection in

ASEAN;

Taking note of a new strategy to guide future progress of Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity

(MPAC 2025) in which Regulatory Excellence is one of the five strategic areas to achieve a

seamlessly and comprehensively connected and integrated ASEAN;

Recognising the six GRP Core Principles which were identified as relevant areas of focus given

the current development of GRPs in both the ASEAN region and globally;

Acknowledging that GRPs seek to improve ASEAN’s competitiveness, deepen ASEAN’s

economic integration through harmonisation, drive towards a competitive, dynamic, innovative

and robustly growing ASEAN and enhance engagement with the private sector as well as other

stakeholders;

N11

Hereby resolves to:

Encourage ASEAN Member States to implement the AEC commitments towards the realization

of the ASEAN Economic Community Vision 2025;

Call on AIPA Member Parliaments to encourage their respective governments to build and

strengthen capacity for the implementation of GRPs to ensure high quality regulation and

regulatory coherence to reduce the regulatory burden and to improve the overall regulatory

coherence and cooperation in the region;

Urge AIPA Member Parliaments to periodically review GRP with the view of improving the

existing regulations on GRPs;

Urge various stakeholders to build a more dynamic ASEAN Economic Community by

increasing transparency in the public sector and the private sector, establishing new platforms

for knowledge sharing and enhancing engagement of stakeholders in the implementation of

GRPs.


N12




(Res 39GA/2018/Econ/05)

RESOLUTION ON REGIONAL EFFORTS TO ADDRESS THE IMPACT OF GLOBAL

TRADE TENSION BETWEEN ECONOMIC POWERHOUSES


Recalling Article 2, paragraph 2(n) of the ASEAN Charter which mandates ASEAN and its

Member States’ adherence to multilateral trade rules and ASEAN’s rules-based regime for

effective implementation of economic commitments and progressive reduction of all barriers to

regional economic integration, in a market-driven economy;

Recalling the ASEAN Economic Blueprint 2025, which envisioned (i) a Highly Integrated and

Cohesive Economy; (ii) a Competitive, Innovative, and Dynamic ASEAN; (iii) enhanced

Connectivity and Sectoral Cooperation; (iv) a Resilient, Inclusive, People-Oriented, and People-

Centered ASEAN; and (v) a Global ASEAN;

Recalling also the AIPA Resolution on “Intra-Regional Economic Cooperation for Equitable

Development and Inclusive Growth in the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC)” adopted during

the 38th General Assembly of AIPA in Manila, the Philippines in 2017;

Recognising that protectionist measures can trigger economic downturns, and that open,

transparent, rules-based, non-discriminatory and equitable multilateral trading systems

contribute to inclusive global growth and sustainable development;

Reaffirming the ASEAN priority to support inclusive, sustainable and balanced economic

growth by strengthening economic infrastructure;

Highlighting that role of parliaments is essential in formulating enabling policies to promote

economic trade and linkages of ASEAN Member States.

N13

Hereby resolves to:

Encourage the global economic powerhouses to restrain and refrain from exercising unilateral

measures, including protectionism, and to solve the existing issues within the domain of

multilateral trading system institution in the World Trade Organization (WTO);

Recommend ASEAN Member States to discuss and implement measures to facilitate deepening

of intra-trade within the region to promote shared growth and prosperity for the people in the

region;

Encourage ASEAN Member States to intensify cooperation to facilitate cross-border

investment and MSMEs venture beyond their own borders;

Strengthen parliamentary support toward implementation of ASEAN connectivity projects to

support intra-ASEAN logistics and ensure a comprehensive and inclusive development;

Support the acceleration of Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP)

negotiation.

Adopt on the Sixth day of September 2018 in Singapore.

ANNEX O

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON SOCIAL MATTERS

O1




Doc 39GA/2018/Soc Rep

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON SOCIAL MATTERS

Mr President, It is my great honour to submit the following Report of the Committee on Social Matters. 2 The Committee met on 5 September 2018 at 9.00 am. The meeting was chaired by Dr Lim Wee Kiak of the Parliament of Singapore as the Chairperson, and Mr Henry Kwek of the Parliament of Singapore served as the Rapporteur. The following delegates attended the meeting:

Brunei Darussalam a) Miss Khairunnisa Haji Ash'ari b) Mr Haji Ramli Haji Lahit Cambodia a) Mrs Mean Som An b) Mrs Khoun Khun Dy Indonesia a) Mrs Amelia Anggraini Lao PDR a) Dr Phonephet Boupha b) Mr Amphay Chitmanoh c) Mr Alavanh Phanthavong Malaysia a) Datin Mastura Binti Mohd Yazid b) Dato Hajah Hanifah Hajar Taib c) Mr Muslimin Bin Yahaya d) Mr Khoo Poay Tiong e) Mdm Hajah Natrah Ismail Myanmar a) Prof Than Win b) Mr Zar Ni Min

O2

Philippines a) Mr Robert Ace S. Barbers b) Mr Jorge T. Almonte Singapore a) Mr Ang Hin Kee b) Mr Pritam Singh c) Ms Chia Yong Yong

Thailand a) Acm Chuchart Boonchai b) Mr Kittisak Rattanavaraha c) Khunying Songsuda Yodmani d) Dr Thamrong Dasananjali Vietnam a) Mr Nguyen Hoang Mai b) Mr Nguyen Van Tuyet c) Mrs Dinh Thi Phuong Lan d) Mrs Dang Thi My Huong

3 The Committee on Social Matters was held in the traditional ASEAN spirit of friendship, unity and cooperation. The following Report and Resolutions were discussed and approved:

a) Report of the 1st AIPACODD Meeting and the Resolutions on Securing a Drug-Free ASEAN Community for Future Generations and The Terms of Reference for AIPACODD

The Committee considered the report and the two resolutions that had arisen from the 1st AIPACODD Meeting held in Singapore from 18-21 June 2018, and unanimously approved the report and two resolutions, entitled “Securing a Drug-Free ASEAN Community for Future Generations” and “The Terms of Reference for AIPACODD”.

b) Resolution on Promoting Digital Literacy and Combating Fake News The Committee considered the resolution and reiterated concerns on fake news

misleading the people of ASEAN, and that Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs), along with its benefits, may also be misused for purposes that are inconsistent with the objectives of maintaining international peace and security. Multiple additions were made to the resolution which urged for greater freedom in universal access to information and communication technology, called for stronger collaboration between ASEAN governments and the private sector to bridge the digital gap, and to consider comprehensive measures towards combating fake news.

c) Resolution on Support for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) The Committee unanimously agreed to the draft resolution. Context was given by the

Committee as to the drafting of the resolution. Three new clauses were considered to reaffirm the wellbeing of PWDs, suggested a more comprehensive training programme and school-to-work transition for PWDs, and the enhancement ofpolicies on removing barriers, improving access and strengthening of social services and programmes for PWDs.

O3

d) Resolution on Environmental Sustainability and Sustainable Urban Ecosystems The Committee unanimously agreed to adopt the resolution. The Committee included an

additional clause to reaffirm two previous Declarations - the ASEAN post-2015 Environmental Sustainability and Climate Change Agenda and the 2007 Declaration on Environmental Sustainability. An additional clause was also included to recommend ASEAN Member States to consider various areas of policy reform towards competitive, sustainable and inclusive metropolitan areas. 4 I hereby present the Report of the Committee on Social Matters to the 39th General Assembly of AIPA. Thank you. DR LIM WEE KIAK CHAIRPERSON

MR HENRY KWEK RAPPORTEUR

O4




(Res 39GA/2018/Soc/01)

RESOLUTION ON THE ADOPTION OF THE REPORT OF THE 1ST MEETING OF THE

AIPA COUNCIL ON DANGEROUS DRUGS (AIPACODD) AND THE RESOLUTIONS ON

(1) SECURING A DRUG-FREE ASEAN COMMUNITY FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS

(2) THE TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR AIPACODD


Recalling Resolution 23GA/2002/Soc/07 on the Terms of Reference of the AIPO Fact-Finding

Committee (AIFOCOM) to Combat the Drug Menace which stated that the AIFOCOM shall

meet at least once a year, preferably in the country where the General Assembly is to be held

that year, and Resolution 38GA/2017/Org/14 which resolved that the 39th General Assembly

shall be held in Singapore;

Noting that the 1st AIPACODD Meeting was held in Singapore from 18 to 21 June 2018 and the

Report of the 1st AIPACODD Meeting including the Resolutions on Securing a Drug-Free

ASEAN Community for Future Generations and The Terms of Reference for AIPACODD;

Recognising that the Report of the First AIPACODD Meeting and the Resolutions on Securing

a Drug-Free ASEAN Community for Future Generations and The Terms of Reference for

AIPACODD demonstrated unified concern and action by AIPA Member Parliaments in

combating illegal drugs.

Hereby resolves to:

Adopt the Report of the First AIPACODD Meeting and the Resolutions on Securing a Drug-

Free ASEAN Community for Future Generations and The Terms of Reference for AIPACODD.


O5




(Res 39GA/2018/Soc/02)

RESOLUTION ON PROMOTING DIGITAL LITERACY AND COMBATING FAKE NEWS


Noting the rapidly increasing use of online and social media for communication and for news

consumption in line with Internet penetration and access amongst ASEAN Member States;

Welcoming the potential for info-communications tools, including online and social media

applications, to facilitate information-sharing, enhance communication, support e-commerce and

innovative services, and contribute positively to social and economic development of ASEAN

Member States;

Aware that online and social media has particular characteristics, which enable information to be

communicated with much greater ease and speed by a large number of individuals and groups,

that are unlike that of traditional media structured around licensed media organisations;

Expressing concern that fake news are often designed and implemented so as to mislead a

population, as well as to interfere with the public’s right to know and the right of the individuals

to seek and receive, as well as to impart information and ideas of all kinds, in accordance with

the ASEAN Charter Article 2(i).

Recognising that greater efforts should be undertaken to encourage constructive behaviour and

discourse online and to ensure that individuals take responsibility for their actions through this

mode of communication;

Mindful of the threat of fake news and how information can be deliberately distorted and

manipulated to create fake news stories to instigate violence, sow hate and discord amongst the

people, undermine trust in political and community institutions, and thus undermine the

resilience of ASEAN Member States;

O6

Considering the importance for individuals and groups, as the foundation of digitally-ready

societies, to cultivate the ability to be discerning when dealing with the vast amount of

information available online and to form the bulwark against proliferation of fake news;

Considering that public education to promote digital literacy forms a key component to a

comprehensive and continuing response to the challenges of fake news, supporting other

measures on fact-checking, media monitoring and appropriate regulation;

Welcoming discussions on the challenges posed by online and social media and the issue of fake

news within ASEAN through meetings of the ASEAN Ministers Responsible for Information

(AMRI) and of related officials;

Noting that the 14th Conference of ASEAN Ministers Responsible for Information (AMRI) has

adopted the Declaration on the Framework to Minimise the Harmful Effects of Fake news and a

set of Core Values on Digital Literacy for ASEAN on 10 May 2018.

Hereby resolves to:

Reiterate that governments play an important role to develop trusted sources of information and

socially responsible media in their countries, to educate and protect citizens especially the young

against deliberate online falsehoods, fake news and misinformation, and to take necessary

measures to safeguard sovereignty and public order without undermining the constitutional

rights of each individual;

Encourage freedom of universal access to information and communication technology in

accordance with national legislations;

Observing UN Resolution A/RES/69/28 which noted that information and communication

technologies (ICTs) bring immense economic and social benefits, but also can be used for

purposes that are inconsistent with the objectives of maintaining international peace and

security;

Promote discussion and sharing of best practices expertise and learning from experiences among

ASEAN lawmakers to combat fake news, in areas such as the development of public education

campaigns, the establishment of monitoring and fact-checking mechanisms and regulatory

O7

measures, relevant for the particular national circumstances of individual ASEAN Member

States;

Strengthen cooperation with stakeholders in governments, academia, industry, civil society and

community organisations across ASEAN to raise awareness of, and to advocate the importance

of digital literacy and to further improve the reach and delivery of digital literacy programmes to

all segments of society;

Call upon media organisations, online and social media companies and communities to

strengthen capabilities to detect and to develop the measures to combat deliberate online

falsehoods and fake news, and to build on industry norms that promotes the discerning

consumption of information;

Recommend ASEAN dialogue partners and stakeholders in industry and community to provide

technical assistance to governments to develop digital literacy programmes for all segments of

society;

Call on ASEAN Member States to consider comprehensive measures towards combating fake

news including the regulation of social media and strengthening collaboration with media

organisations;

Call on a stronger collaboration between the governments and private sectors to bridge the

digital gap in the ASEAN Member States.


O8




(Res 39GA/2018/Soc/03)

RESOLUTION ON SUPPORT FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES


Affirming the commitment undertaken by the pillars of the ASEAN Community comprising

the ASEAN Political and Security Community (APSC), the ASEAN Economic Community

(AEC) and the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) in the pursuance of priority areas

set out in the ASEAN Community Vision 2025 to enhance the well-being and livelihood of the

peoples of ASEAN, including persons with disabilities;

Reaffirming one of the purposes of ASEAN as enshrined in the ASEAN Charter, that is, to

enhance the well-being of persons with disabilities in ASEAN by providing them with

equitable access to opportunities for human development, social welfare and justice;

Recalling the Bali Declaration on the Enhancement of the Role and Participation of the

Persons with Disabilities in ASEAN Community and the Mobilisation Framework of the

ASEAN Decade of Persons with Disabilities (2011-2020) to promote disability-inclusive

development within ASEAN;

Recalling further the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which recognizes

the importance of accessibility and inclusivity to the physical, social, economic and cultural

environment, to health and education and to information and communication, in enabling

persons with disabilities to fully enjoy all human rights and fundamental freedoms;

Looking forward to the ASEAN Enabling Masterplan 2025: Mainstreaming the Rights of

Persons with Disabilities in including persons with disabilities in the political, legal, economic,

social and cultural environment and the realisation of their rights;

O9

Recognising that innovations in service delivery and assistive technology enable and promote

the inclusion, participation and engagement of persons with disabilities with the family,

community and all areas of society;

Cognisant that the focus on ensuring the inclusion of persons with disabilities is one of the key

furtherance and articulation of the ASEAN Community Vision 2025.

Hereby resolves to:

Call on ASEAN Member States to reaffirm the commitment in the ownership of the

Mobilisation Framework of the ASEAN Decade of Persons with Disabilities (2011-2020) and

the Decade’s priority areas to intensify cooperation, especially in the areas of accessibility to

information communication and technology (ICT), assistive technology (AT) and build

facilities for all including persons with disabilities;

Urge ASEAN Member States to effectively implement the ASEAN Enabling Masterplan 2025,

in particular priority areas in the adoption and deployment of technology to build an inclusive

community and environment for persons with disabilities;

Promote a productive and dynamic ASEAN through the inclusion of persons with disabilities,

harnessing potentials in innovation and its reasonable accommodation and adoption of services

and the environment;

Support the inclusion of persons with disabilities in an environment of innovation with

opportunities to education and training;

Strongly suggest a more comprehensive training programme and school-to-work transition for

persons with disabilities by: (a) aligning vocational training programmes with employer

involvement; and (b) establishing strong employer partnerships with vocational educational

institutions and minimising unemployment for persons with disabilities;

Call on ASEAN Member States to consider the use of information and assistive technology in

the area of development of entrepreneurship, job support and skills, employment training to

empower persons with disabilities to help develop society;

O10

Call on ASEAN Member States to support persons with disabilities to reap opportunities from

the economic growth in the region, globalization, and from the acceleration of technological

change;

Recommend ASEAN Member States to support the networking and regional cooperation

between national research, innovation and digital centres, and industry players in ASEAN to

share experiences and knowledge on technology and innovations to enable and promote the

inclusion, participation and engagement of persons with disabilities with the family,

community and all areas of society;

Enhance policies on removing barriers and improving access to all services and programmes

as well as strengthening and extending of rehabilitation, habitation, assistive technology,

assistance and support services and community-based rehabilitation.


O11




(Res 39GA/2018/Soc/04)

RESOLUTION ON ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY AND

SUSTAINABLE URBAN ECOSYSTEMS


Recalling Resolution 33GA/2012/Eco/02 on the “Creation of a Green Economy to Promote

Sustainable Development” in Lombok, Indonesia in 2012 and Resolution 35GA/2014/Eco/01 on

“Fostering Green Growth Development Strategy in ASEAN” in Vientiane Capital, Lao People’s

Democratic Republic in 2014 and the Declaration on ASEAN Post-2015 Environmental

Sustainability and Climate Change Agenda;

Reaffirming the 2007 ASEAN Declaration on Environmental Sustainability, in order to

strengthen regional and international cooperation in promoting, sharing and implementing

environmentally sustainable practices and to better understand and adapt to the adverse impacts

of climate change, as well as to promote conservation and sustainable utilisation of biodiversity;

Noting of the convening of the Special ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Climate Action

(SAMCA) held in Singapore in 2018, which provided a platform for ASEAN to reaffirm its

commitment to the full and effective implementation of the Paris Agreement and to discuss how

the region can strengthen its cooperation on climate change;

Recognising that the success of efforts to develop environmentally sustainable cities in ASEAN

will also contribute to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals,

particularly Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) which promotes the need to make

cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable at a global level;

Reaffirming ASEAN’s commitment in the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community Blueprint 2025

to support environmentally sustainable cities, in particular, enhancing participatory and

integrated approaches in urban planning and management for sustainable urbanisation towards a

O12

clean and green ASEAN and promoting coordination among relevant sectors to provide access

to clean land, green public space, clean air, clean and safe water, and sanitation;

Noting that ASEAN Member States experience some of the highest levels of urban air

pollution, with annual mean levels often exceeding five to ten times the World Health

Organisation limits;

Cognizant of the need to address the increasingly unsustainable trend of production and

consumption in ASEAN countries;

Recognising that ASEAN’s rich biodiversity is important in providing ecosystem services such

as food, water, climate regulation and the increasing urbanisation of the region present both

challenges and opportunities to promote sustainable urban ecosystems;

Further recognising that urban ecosystems and biodiversity have the same potential to provide

healthy and sustainable environments for the cities’ socio-economic and environmental

sustainability and resilience against hazards which include regulating climate, reducing urban

heat island effect, improving air quality, conserving energy, preventing erosion, water regulation

and recreational opportunities;

Appreciating that the promotion of sustainable urban ecosystems requires integrated planning

and implementation and consultation and cooperation of multi-stakeholders at the national,

provincial and local levels, as appropriate.

Hereby resolves to:

Call upon ASEAN Member States to strengthen the capacity of national and local institutions to

implement strategies, programmes and legislations towards environmentally sustainable and

climate resilient cities;

Call upon ASEAN Member States to promote environmental protection through effective

environmental education and awareness programmes that enhance capacity and capability to

adapt and respond to current and emerging environmental threats and challenges, so as to create

a dynamic, sustainable, and resilient ASEAN Community that will contribute to the achievement

of the Sustainable Development Goals;

O13

Urge ASEAN Member States to address air pollution by developing more consistent and

systematic ways of monitoring air quality and pollution level, and improving public awareness

of good practices and lessons learned in air quality management;

Encourage the integration of sustainable consumption and production strategy and best

practices into national and regional policies and as part of corporate social responsibility

activities;

Call upon ASEAN Member States to integrate ecological planning in developing and

implementing urban environmental strategies and action plans and provide relevant platforms

for consultation and engagement with stakeholders such as the private sector and communities

including persons with disabilities, the elderly, women and young people;

Encourage the promotion of public education and awareness at local levels that rich

biodiversity and urban ecosystems can exist in cities and contribute corresponding multiple

benefits to the cities’ liveability and provide capacity building and training at local levels in

biodiversity planning and management;

Call upon AIPA Member Parliaments to further encourage ASEAN Member States to work in

partnership with their cities and local authorities, as well as regional and international partners to

share experiences, best practices and implement programmes related to sustainable urban

ecosystems such as promotion of green spaces, green infrastructure, urban greening and

biodiversity conservation;

Recommend ASEAN Member States to consider various areas of policy reform towards

competitive, sustainable and inclusive metropolitan areas by (a) managing urbanisation for

efficiency and growth; (b) improving competitiveness for local economic development and job

creation; (c) promoting inclusive growth by creating opportunities for the urban poor; and (d)

strengthening institutions and governance for efficient service delivery and sustainable urban

planning and management;

Urge ASEAN Member States to use existing ASEAN frameworks such as the ASEAN Working

Group on Environmentally Sustainable Cities to promote regional cooperation on sustainable

urban ecosystems to complement efforts at the national and local levels.

O14


ANNEX P

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ORGANISATIONAL

MATTERS

P1




Doc 39GA/2018/Org Rep

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ORGANISATIONAL MATTERS

Mr President,

It is my great honour to submit the following Report of the Committee on Organisational Matters.

2 The Committee met on 5 September 2018 at 9.00 am. The meeting was presided over by Mr Lim Biow Chuan of the Parliament of Singapore as the Chairperson, and Mr Darryl David of the Parliament of Singapore was the Rapporteur. AIPA Secretary-General Mr Isra Sunthornut was also present at the meeting. The following delegates attended the meeting:

Brunei Darussalam


2

3

Pehin Dato Haji Hasrin Haji Sabtu

Pehin Dato Haji Judin

Cambodia

1

2

Mr Chhit Kim Yeat

Mr Heang Thul

Indonesia

1 Mr Jon Erizal

2 Ms Kartika

Lao PDR



Malaysia


2 Datuk Wira Mas Ermieyati Binti Samsudin

Myanmar

1 Ms Htoot May

2 Dr Win Myint

P2

Philippines

1 Mrs Maria Lourdes Acosta-Alba

2 Dr. Elisa T. Kho

Singapore

1 Ms Tin Pei Ling

2 Mr Zainal Sapari

Thailand




Vietnam

1 Mr Vu Hai Ha

2 Mrs Le Thu Ha


3 The meeting of the Committee on Organisational Matters was held in the traditional ASEAN spirit of friendship, unity and cooperation. The following Reports and Resolutions were discussed and approved:

a) Resolution on the AIPA Secretariat's Annual Report FY2017-2018 The resolution on the AIPA Secretariat's Annual Report FY2017-2018 was adopted by

delegates. The Committee also discussed and exchanged their views pertinent to overseas trips taken by the AIPA Secretary General that are not related to AIPA’s programmes. The Committee agreed that trips not related to AIPA should be approved by AIPA President, and a trip report should be submitted after each trip. The Secretary General noted the Committee’s views on spending within the approved budget.

b) Resolution on the Continuation of the Joint Programme between AIPA and the

Government of the Federal Republic of Germany through Deutsche Gesellschaft Fuer Internationale Zussamenarbeit (GIZ)

The Committee unanimously adopted the draft resolution on Continuation of the Joint Programme between AIPA and the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany through Deutsche Gesellschaft Fuer Internationale Zussamenarbeit (GIZ)

c) Resolution on Expanding the Scope of Cooperation between Freeland

Foundation and the AIPA Secretariat The Committee unanimously adopted the draft resolution on Expanding the Scope of

Cooperation between Freeland Foundation and the AIPA Secretariat.

d) Resolution on the Financial Report of the AIPA Secretariat for the Period of 1 August 2017 to 31 July 2018

The resolution on the Financial Report of the AIPA Secretariat for the period of 1 August 2017 to 31 July 2018 was adopted by delegates with minor edits. It included an amendment by the Committee to task the AIPA Secretariat to have the AIPA Special Fund reflected separately in the statement of income and expenditure.

P3

e) Resolution on (1) Estimates Budget for the AIPA Secretariat for the Period of 1

August 2018 to 31 July 2019; (2) Supplementary Estimates from 1 August 2019 to 30 September 2019; and (3) Special Fund

The Committee agreed to the resolution with some minor amendments. It included an amendment by the Committee to task the AIPA Secretariat to propose performance measurements for the AIPA Secretary-General’s performance bonus and gratuity for the next Committee on Organisational Matters to consider, with the view of ensuring good financial planning and prudence.

f) Resolution on the Submission of Draft Resolutions by AIPA Member Parliaments

The Committee exchanged views on the appropriate time for draft resolutions to be submitted in advance and emergency items that can be tabled by each country. The AIPA delegates agreed that 6 weeks prior to the General Assembly is adequate, and each AIPA Member Parliament could only propose one emergency item to be decided by the Executive Committee and the item must be submitted at least 72 hours before the Executive Committee meeting where only one emergency resolution could be submitted to the General Assembly. The AIPA Secretariat is also responsible to remind the AIPA Member Parliaments at least 8 weeks in advance of the General Assembly to submit their draft resolution. The Committee agreed to the draft resolution with these amendments.

g) Resolution on AIPA Distinguished Service Award to Dr Nurhayati Ali Assegaf h) Resolution on AIPA Distinguished Service Award to Mr Anusart

Suwanmongkol The Committee unanimously adopted the resolutions on the AIPA Distinguished Service

Awards given to Dr Nurhayati Ali Assegaf and Mr Anusart Suwanmongkol.

i) Resolution on Development of New Organizational Design and Human Capacity Development Plan for AIPA Secretariat

The Committee unanimously adopted the resolutions on the Development of New Organizational Design and Human Capacity Development Plan for AIPA Secretariat, noting that all expenses will be funded by GIZ.

j) Resolution on Legal Status of the AIPA House The AIPA Secretary-General explained the background to the situation. He shared that

the AIPA House was bought in 2014, and when he took on the role as Secretary General in 2016, he noted that the House still remained under the original seller’s name, and not the AIPA Secretariat. Potential problems could arise for AIPA House if the legal status is not resolved.

Hence, based on the report prepared by the lawyer hired by the AIPA Secretariat, USD 45,000 needs to be spent in order to arrange for a legal transfer of name from the seller to AIPA Secretariat, in addition to USD 6,000 in fees for the lawyer, which has been incurred to date.

The Committee agreed by consensus to adopt the resolution, and to incur a sum not exceeding USD 55,000 from the reserve funds to resolve the legal issues.

k) Resolution on Appreciating the Services of Mr Tan Chuan-Jin as President of AIPA

The Committee unanimously adopted the resolution on Appreciating the Services of Mr Tan Chuan-Jin as President of AIPA.

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l) Resolution on Date and Venue of the 40th General Assembly of AIPA Thailand informed that the 40th General Assembly will be held in August 2019 in

Bangkok. The Committee agreed by consensus to adopt the resolution.

m) Resolution on the Development of Web-based and Online Database of Resolutions Adopted by AIPA

To the Committee’s query on whether the proposed monitoring function of the online database duplicated the existing function of the AIPA Caucus of monitoring the implementation of resolutions, the AIPA Secretary-General clarified that as the online platform is intended to facilitate easy access and quick reference of resolutions, it would not overlap with the current scope of AIPA Caucus. He also confirmed that the online database will have a search function. The Committee agreed by consensus to adopt the resolution.

n) Resolution on Appreciating years of service of Ms Ria R Aritonang to AIPA and AIPA Secretariat

The AIPA Secretary-General explained that in view of her long and excellent service, it was important for AIPA to express gratitude to her years of service. The Committee thanked Ms Ria R Aritonang for her years of service to AIPA and agreed by consensus to adopt the resolution. 4 For the draft resolutions on:

- Guidelines of AIPA Engagement with Guests, Observers and Dialogue Partners - Accrediting the Parliament of the Kingdom of Norway as Observer of AIPA - Accrediting the Parliament of the National Assembly of the Islamic Republic of

Pakistan as Observer of AIPA - Accrediting the Parliament of the Republic of Georgia as Observer of AIPA The Committee agreed for these draft resolutions to be deferred to an Ad-Hoc Working

Group comprising of nominees from each AIPA Member Parliament which may also include senior officials from each AIPA National Secretariat. The Committee proposed for the Chairman of the Ad-Hoc Working Group to be appointed by the President of AIPA and for the funding associated to any meeting of this Ad-Hoc Working Group to come from the AIPA Special Fund or GIZ. Details and composition of this Ad-Hoc Working Group will be proposed by the AIPA Secretariat to the President of AIPA. 5 For the draft resolution on the “Amendment to the Statutes of AIPA” proposed by Indonesia, the Committee agreed by consensus to defer discussion on this draft resolution to the next General Assembly when Thailand hosts the meeting. Indonesia agreed to resubmit the draft resolution at the conclusion of this General Assembly.

6 I hereby present the Report of the Committee on Organisational Matters with the approved resolutions to the 39th General Assembly of AIPA. Thank you.

MR LIM BIOW CHUAN CHAIRPERSON

MR DARRYL DAVID RAPPORTEUR

P5




(Res 39GA/2018/Org/01)

RESOLUTION ON THE SECRETARIAT’S ANNUAL REPORT FY 2017-2018


Having considered the AIPA Secretariat’s Annual Report FY 2017-2018 submitted by the

Secretary General.

Hereby approves the aforesaid Secretariat Annual Report FY 2017-2018.

Adopted on the 6th day of September 2018 in Singapore.

P6




(Res 39GA/2018/Org/02)

RESOLUTION ON THE CONTINUATION OF THE JOINT PROGRAMME BETWEEN AIPA

AND THE GOVERNMENT OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY THROUGH DEUTSCHE GESELLSCHAFT FUER

INTERNATIONALE ZUSSAMENARBEIT (GIZ)


Recalling Resolution 32GA/2011/ORG/07 on the Joint Programme between AIPA and the

German Federal Foreign Office (FFO) through Deutsche Gesellschaft Fuer Internationale

Zussamenarbeit (GIZ) and Hanns-Seidel Foundation (HSF) adopted by the 32nd AIPA General

Assembly held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, from 18 to 24 September 2011, which stated that the

General Assembly agreed and approved the establishment of joint projects between AIPA and

GIZ and HSF for the year 2012-2013 (referred to as “Pilot Project);

Recalling Resolution 34GA/2013/ORG/10 on the Continuation of Joint Programme between

AIPA and the German Federal Foreign Office (FFO) through Deutsche Gesellschaft Fuer

Internationale Zussamenarbeit GIZ and Hanns-Seidel Foundation (HSF) adopted at the 34th

AIPA General Assembly in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam, from 17 to 23 September

2013 which stated that the General Assembly approved the continuation of the joint programme

between AIPA and the German FFO through GIZ and HSF and its implementation for the year

2014-2015 (referred to as Project “Phase I”);

Recalling Resolution 36GA/2015/ORG/11 on the Continuation of Joint Programme between

AIPA and the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany through Deutsche Gesellschaft

Fuer Internationale Zussamenarbeit (GIZ) adopted by the 36th AIPA General Assembly held in

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from 6 to 12 September 2015 which stated that the General Assembly

approved the continuation of the Joint Program between AIPA and the German FFO through GIZ

and its implementation for the year 2016-2017 (referred to as project “Phase II”);

P7

Recalling Resolution 37GA/2016/ORG/01 on the Continuation of the Joint Programme between

AIPA and the Federal Republic of Germany through Deutsche Gesellschaft Fuer Internationale

Zussamenarbeit (GIZ) adopted at the 37th AIPA General Assembly held in Nay Pyi Taw,

Myanmar, from 29th September to 3rd October 2016 which stated that the General Assembly

approved the continuation of the Joint Programme between AIPA and the German FFO through

GIZ and its implementation for the years 2016-2018 (referred to as Project “Phase II”);

Confirming the Signing of the Joint Declaration of Intent concerning continued Cooperation

between the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) and the Government of the Federal

Republic of Germany and the Implementation Agreement on the project “AIPA for the ASEAN

Integration (AIPA4ASEAN)” with the implementing agency Deutsche Gesellschaft Fuer

Internationale Zussamenarbeit (GIZ) as a continuation to the predecessor project “Capacity

Development for the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly”. Referred to as Project “Phase III”

(March 2018 – February 2020) on 14 March 2018 in Jakarta, Indonesia;

Recommending that the General Assembly adopt the Joint Declaration of Intent concerning

continued Cooperation between the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) and the

Government of the Federal Republic of Germany and the Implementation Agreement on the

project “AIPA for the ASEAN Integration (AIPA4ASEAN)” Phase III (March 2018 – February

2020).

Hereby resolves to:

Approve the third phase of Joint Programme between AIPA and the Government of the Federal

Republic of Germany through GIZ and its implementation for the years 2018 to 2020 as referred

to in the signed Joint Declaration of Intent concerning continued Cooperation between the ASEAN

Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) and the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany

and the Implementation Agreement on the project “AIPA for the ASEAN Integration

(AIPA4ASEAN)” Phase III (March 2018 – February 2020).


P8




(Res 39GA/2018/Org/03)

RESOLUTION ON EXPANDING THE SCOPE OF COOPERATION BETWEEN FREELAND

FOUNDATION AND AIPA SECRETARIAT


Recalling Resolution 33GA/2012/ORG/07 on Strengthening Law Enforcement and Regional

Cooperation to Combat Wildlife Crime and on Partnership Development with ASEAN-WEN /

ARREST / FREELAND adopted by the 33rd AIPA General Assembly held in Lombok, Indonesia,

from 16 to 22 September 2012 which stated that the General Assembly authorize the AIPA

Secretariat to enter into a joint program/cooperation with ASEAN-WEN and FREELAND

Foundation in the promotion of “green legislative agenda”;

Following the direction given by the General Assembly through Resolution

36GA/2015/ORG/09 on Strengthening Law Enforcement and Regional Cooperation to Combat

Wildlife Crime adopted at the 36th AIPA General Assembly held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia,

from 6 to 12 September 2016 upon the expiry of the Letter of Cooperation (LoC) entered into

the Memorandum of Understanding Concerning Cooperation between FREELAND Foundation

and the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly Secretariat;

Further Recalling the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding Concerning Cooperation

between FREELAND Foundation and the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly Secretariat on

7 December 2015 in Bangkok, Thailand;

Referring to the Resolution No.38 GA/2017/ORG/09 on Formulating and Implementing Project

Based Initiatives on Strengthening Legal Framework to Protect Children from Sexual

Exploitation in Travel and Tourism adopted at the 38th AIPA General Assembly held in Manila,

the Philippines, from 14 to 20 September 2017;

P9

Confirming the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding Concerning between

FREELAND Foundation and the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly Secretariat in

expressing their common desire to deepen bilateral contacts to help reduce the trafficking of

children in the ASEAN Community on 28 March 2018 in Bangkok, Thailand;

Recommending that the General Assembly adopt the signed Memorandum of Understanding

Concerning Cooperation between Freeland Foundation and the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary

Assembly Secretariat.

Hereby resolves to:

Approve to expand the cooperation between AIPA and Freeland Foundation as referred in the

signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) Concerning Cooperation between Freeland

Foundation and the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly Secretariat;

In the event of any amendments arising in the Memorandum of Understanding, the Secretary

General shall obtain the direction of the President of AIPA.


P10




(Res 39GA/2018/Org/04)

RESOLUTION ON FINANCIAL REPORT OF THE AIPA SECRETARIAT

FOR THE PERIOD OF 1 AUGUST 2017 TO 31 JULY 2018


Noting that AIPA adopts the new Financial Year to be from 1 August of each year to 31 July of

the following year as resolved by Resolution RES.35GA/2014/ORG/03 at the 35th AIPA

General Assembly held in Vientiane, Lao PDR;

Having considered the Audited Financial Reports of the AIPA Secretariat covering the period

of 1 August 2017 to 31 July 2018 as contained in Doc. 39GA/2018/FinRep/01;

Noting the Balance Sheet of the AIPA Secretariat as of 31 July 2018.

Hereby resolves to:

Approve the aforesaid Financial Report covering the period of 1 August 2017 to 31 July 2018.

Task AIPA Secretariat to have the accounts of AIPA Special Fund to be reflected separately in

the statement of income and expenditure.


P11




(Res 39GA/2018/Org/05)

RESOLUTION ON (1) ESTIMATED BUDGET FOR THE AIPA SECRETARIAT FOR THE PERIOD OF 1 AUGUST 2018 TO 31 JULY 2019;

(2) SPECIAL FUND FOR THE PERIOD OF 1 AUGUST 2018 TO 31 JULY 2019 AND

(3) ESTIMATED SUPPLEMENTARY BUDGET FROM 1 AUGUST 2019 TO 31 OCTOBER 2019


Bearing in mind that the Estimated Budget of AIPA for the Financial Year 1 August to 31 July

of the following year and the Supplementary Budget for the months of August to October of the

next Financial Year will be contained in a single audited report for the approval of General

Assembly;

Further bearing in mind that Special Fund started operating in Financial Year 2017/2018 and is

contained in a single audited report for the approval of General Assembly;

Having considered the details of the Estimated Expenditures and Explanatory Notes for

Financial Year 2018/2019 covering the period from 1 August 2018 to 31 July 2019, the Special

Fund covering the period from 1 August 2018 to 31 July 2019 and the Supplementary Estimate

from 1 August 2019 to 31 September 2019.

Hereby resolves to:

Approve the estimated expenditure as contained in Doc. 39GA/2018/Org/01 of US$ 300,000.00

for the period of 1 August 2018 to 31 July 2019, US$ 50,000.00 being the expenditure of AIPA

Special Fund covering the period of 1 August 2018 to 31 July 2019 and Supplementary

Estimates of US$ 126,550.00 to cover the expenditure for three months from 1 August 2019 to

31 October 2019 respectively.

P12

Task the AIPA Secretariat to propose performance measurements for AIPA Secretary-General’s

performance bonus and gratuity for the next Committee on Organisational Matters to consider,

with the view of ensuring good financial planning and prudence.


P13




(Res 39GA/2018/Org/06)

RESOLUTION ON THE SUBMISSION OF THE DRAFT RESOLUTIONS OF

AIPA MEMBER PARLIAMENTS


Referring to Article 11 paragraph 2 (a) of the Statute of the AIPA which is states that “The

Executive committee may meet at least three (3) months prior to the General Assembly”;

Further referring to Article 12 of the Statute of the AIPA stating that “The Executive

Committee has the powers and functions to prepare the agenda and program as proposed by

Member Parliaments for the approval of the General Assembly”;

Noting that for the past several years, the Executive Committee has always been held on the first

day of the General Assembly to approve the agenda items of the General Assembly;

Further noting that proposed draft resolutions of General Assembly have been circulated by

AIPA Secretariat less than three (3) months prior to the General Assembly;

Acknowledging the more time for consideration of draft resolutions will result in the effective

time management of the National Secretariat;

Acknowledging also the late submission of draft resolutions will affect the productive outcome

of the General Assembly and the work effectiveness of AIPA.

Hereby resolved to:

Request AIPA Member Parliaments to submit draft resolutions to AIPA Secretariat at least six

(6) weeks prior to the General Assembly for the effective preparation process of the National

Secretariat of the Member Parliaments and the work efficiency of AIPA;

P14

Agree that proposed draft resolutions submitted within six (6) weeks before the General

Assembly shall be considered as a submission for the next General Assembly and AIPA Member

Parliaments are required to resubmit their proposed draft resolutions by the deadline of submission

of draft resolution of the next General Assembly;

Agree that an exception for submission of proposed draft resolutions for the next General

Assembly be made for emergency or urgent items that shall be decided by the Executive

Committee, where each AIPA Member Parliament can only propose one emergency item (at

least 72 hours before the Executive Committee meeting) and that only one final emergency item

from the proposals be tabled for the General Assembly;

Task AIPA Secretariat with the responsibility to remind AIPA Member Parliaments to submit

their proposed draft resolutions eight (8) weeks before the General Assembly, follow-up and

inform up-to-date information on the submission of the draft resolution to AIPA Member

Parliaments;

Agree that the late – submitted draft resolutions will not be considered by AIPA Member

Parliaments.


P15




(Res 39GA/2018/Org/07A)

RESOLUTION ON AIPA DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD TO

DR NURHAYATI ALI ASSEGAF


Recognising the valuable service, outstanding contribution and tireless efforts of Dr. Nurhayati

Ali Assegaf, Chairperson of the Committee for Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation of the House of

Representatives of the Republic of Indonesia towards the pursuit of the goals and objectives of

AIPA;

Considering the nomination of Dr. Nurhayati Ali Assegaf, Chairperson of the Committee for

Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation of the House of Representatives of the Republic of Indonesia,

with the unanimous support of all the other Heads of Delegations.

Hereby resolves to:

Agree that this General Assembly confers the AIPA Distinguished Service Award to Honorable

Dr. Nurhayati Ali Assegaf as recognition of her meritorious services to AIPA.


P16




(Res 39GA/2018/Org/07B)

RESOLUTION ON AIPA DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD TO

MR ANUSART SUWANMONGKOL


Recognising the valuable service, outstanding contribution and tireless efforts of Mr Anusart

Suwanmongkol, member of the National Legislative Assembly of Thailand towards the pursuit

of the goals and objectives of AIPA;

Considering the nomination of Mr Anusart Suwanmongkol, member of the National Legislative

Assembly of Thailand, with the unanimous support of all the other Heads of Delegations.

Hereby resolves to:

Agree that this General Assembly confers the AIPA Distinguished Service Award to Mr Anusart

Suwanmongkol as recognition of his meritorious services to AIPA.


Noting that the current project, AIPA for the ASEAN Integration Project, a joint project between

the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) and the Government of the Federal Republic

of Germany and implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft Fuer Internationale Zussamenarbeit

P17




(Res 39GA/2018/org/12)

RESOLUTION ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF NEW ORGANISATIONAL DESIGN AND

HUMAN CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR AIPA SECRETRIAT


Recognising that the AIPA Secretariat, being the administrative and coordinating body of AIPA

and headed by the Secretary General plays a crucial role in supporting the latter for the

discharge of all functions and responsibilities entrusted to him by the General Assembly;

Recalling that there were two resolutions which were adopted to amend the human resources

related-matters and the organisational set-up of the AIPA Secretariat, namely, Resolution

36GA/2015/ORG/02 during the 36th AIPA General Assembly held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

and Resolution 37GA/2016/ORG/03 during the 37th AIPA General Assembly held in Nay Pyi

Taw, Myanmar in 2016;

Realizing that the role of the AIPA Secretariat has now evolved from an administrative and

coordinating body of AIPA in the past into something more substantive, and as the demands of

the responsibilities of AIPA Secretariat is getting more sophisticated, the organisation needs to

be examined and redesigned, and its human resources also need to be assessed and further

capacitated to meet the needs of its clientele and achieve its organisational goals more

effectively and efficiently;

Recalling that Resolution 38GA/2017/ORG/11 was adopted during 38th AIPA General

Assembly held in Manila, Philippines in 2017 which emphasised the need for the AIPA

Secretariat to undergo reform in its organization;

P18

(GIZ) has a component to support the strengthening of the capacity of AIPA Secretariat,

particularly on consultancy to conduct (1) organisational assessment and organisational

redesign, and (2) capacity needs assessment of its human resources and development of its

human capacity development plan;

Hereby resolves to:

Support the current joint activity of the AIPA Secretariat and AIPA for the ASEAN Integration

Project to develop a new organisational design and Human Capacity Development Plan for the

AIPA Secretariat to better achieve its mandate and sustain its operations, and

Encourage the AIPA Secretariat to pursue the development of the aforementioned plans and

formulate necessary measures to effectively implement the same to achieve its objectives.


P19




(Res 39GA/2018/Org/13)

RESOLUTION ON THE LEGAL STATUS OF THE AIPA HOUSE


Recalling Resolution 34GA/2013/Org/16 on “Purchase of an Apartment as Secretary General’s

Residence” adopted at the 34th AIPA General Assembly in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei

Darussalam, on 22nd day of September 2013 in which Asset SHGB 3189/ Grogol Utara

(hereinafter “AIPA house”) was purchased;

Recalling further a series of facts regarding the sale and purchase taken by AIPA and the owner

of Asset SHGB 3189/Grogol Utara known as Mr. Djendri Djusman, among others:

1) AIPA has fully paid the entire Transaction Cost for the purchase of the AIPA House

in the amount of IDR 7,000,000,000.00 (seven billion Indonesian Rupiah); and

2) Then Secretary General of AIPA, who therefore acted for and on behalf of AIPA,

signed the Sales and Purchase Agreement (PPJB) Number 78 along with Mr. Djendri

Djusman on 14 March 2014, before Tan Susy, S.H., Indonesia Notary and Land

Tittles Official in the West Jakarta, which mainly contained the parties’ agreement to

complete the sale and purchase transaction of the AIPA house (“PPJB 78/2014”);

Mindful on the above facts as well as the applicable laws and regulations in Indonesia, the

Attorney at Law consulted by AIPA Secretariat is of the opinion that the process of sale and

purchase and the transfer of right between Mr. Djendri Djusman (seller) and AIPA (buyer) over

the Asset SHGB 3189/Grogol Utara has not yet occurred;

P20

Mindful that AIPA is not the rightful owner of the AIPA house given the sale and purchase as

well as the transfer of rights of the asset from Mr. Djendri Djusman to AIPA has actually never

been completed until now though AIPA has made a full payment;

Considering the advices provided by the lawyer that AIPA has two alternative possible actions

to act upon and resolve this issue, namely:

(a) Utilizing the Asset SHGB 3198/Grogol Utara for the interest of AIPA by

following up the process of sale and purchase of such asset ("Asset Utilization");

and

(b) Sell the Asset SHGB 3198/Grogol Utara to a third party ("Sale of Asset").

Hereby resolves to:

Agree in principle for the AIPA Secretariat to take any available action in the best interest of

AIPA in resolving the legal issue of the AIPA house and to incur a sum not exceeding US

$55,000.00 from the reserve funds.


P21




(Res 39GA/2018/Org/15)

RESOLUTION ON APPRECIATING THE SERVICE OF

HIS EXCELLENCY TAN CHUAN-JIN AS PRESIDENT OF AIPA


Acknowledging that the term of office of His Excellency Tan Chuan-Jin as the President of

AIPA ends at the conclusion of the 39th AIPA General Assembly;

Recognising His Excellency Tan Chuan-Jin’s valuable contribution to the success of the 39th

AIPA General Assembly during his term of office;

Sincerely expressing its deepest appreciation and gratitude for his leadership of the organisation

and welcoming his continued participation and contribution in the development and growth of

AIPA.

Hereby resolves to:

Adopt this resolution on Appreciating the Services of His Excellency Tan Chuan-Jin.


P22




(Res 39GA/2018/Org/16)

RESOLUTION ON DATE AND VENUE OF THE 40TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY


Referring stipulation of Chapter IV, Article 9 Paragraph 3 of the AIPA Statutes that the venue

of the General Assembly shall be on a rotational basis in alphabetical order among the Member

Parliaments;

Hereby resolves, that the 40th General Assembly shall be held in August 2019 in Bangkok,

Thailand.


P23




(Res 39GA/2018/Org/17)

RESOLUTION ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF WEB-BASED AND ONLINE DATABASE OF

RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED BY AIPA


Recognising that the AIPA Secretariat headed by Secretary General is responsible to transmit all

resolutions and decisions taken by the General Assembly for noting or implementation to the

AIPA Member Parliaments, as stipulated in Article 15, paragraph 5 (d) of AIPA Statutes;

Acknowledging that resolutions adopted by the General Assembly are important parliamentary

documents to be used as basis for implementation and monitoring by AIPA Member

Parliaments, and therefore an efficient web-based and online database is required for safe

storage and efficient retrieval by all users;

Realizing that currently, resolutions adopted by AIPA are digitalised but stored in scattered

electronic devices with no centralised digital storage facility which should be accessible online

by internal users within the AIPA Secretariat and by external users such as the National

Secretariat of AIPA Member Parliaments and the public;

Realizing further that there is no existing centralised and digitalised online and web-based

monitoring system that tracks or monitors the status of implementation of resolutions adopted by

AIPA;

Noting that the current project, AIPA for the ASEAN Integration Project a joint project between

the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) and the Government of the Federal Republic

of Germany and implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft Fuer Internationale Zussamenarbeit

(GIZ) has a component to support the establishment of sustainable mechanisms within AIPA to

support the ASEAN integration process, particularly on the consultancy to develop a web-based

and online database and monitoring system of parliamentary resolutions adopted by AIPA.

P24

Hereby resolves to:

Support the current joint activity of the AIPA Secretariat and AIPA for the ASEAN Integration

Project to develop a web-based and online database and monitoring system of parliamentary

resolutions adopted by AIPA;

Disseminate information to all AIPA Member Parliaments to use this AIPA Resolutions

Database which can be accessed in one of the menus of the AIPA Secretariat website

(www.aipasecretariat.org) and provide feedback to the AIPA Secretariat to improve the system.


P25




(Res 39GA/2018/Org/18)

RESOLUTION ON APPRECIATING YEARS OF SERVICE OF MS. RIA RUMATA

ARITONANG TO AIPA AND AIPA SECRETARIAT


Recognizing Ms Ria Rumata Aritonang’s valuable contribution to AIPA and AIPA Secretariat

during her years of service;

Sincerely expressing its utmost appreciation and gratitude for her service to the organization.

Hereby resolves to:

Adopt the resolution on Appreciating Years of Service of Ms Ria Rumata Aritonang to AIPA

and AIPA Secretariat.


ANNEX Q

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON THE JOINT COMMUNIQUE

Q1




Doc 39GA/2018/JC Rep

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON THE JOINT COMMUNIQUE

Mr President,

It is my great honour to submit the following Report of the Committee on the Joint Communique.

2 The Committee met on 5 September 2018 at 3.30 pm. The meeting was presided over by Mr Charles Chong, Deputy Speaker of the Parliament of Singapore as the Chairperson, and Ms Tin Pei Ling of the Parliament of Singapore was the Rapporteur. The following delegates attended the meeting:

Brunei Darussalam a) Miss Khairunnisa Haji Ash'ari

Cambodia a) Mr Chhit Kim Yeatb) Mr Heang Thulc) Mr Koy Malayvireak

Indonesia a) Mrs Amelia Anggraini

Lao PDR a) Mr Viengthavisone Thephachanh

Malaysia a) Mrs Kasthuriraani Pattob) Mr Wong Chen

Myanmar a) Mr Zaw Theinb) Mr Aung Kyi Nyunt

Philippines a) Mr Raneo E. Abub) Mrs Evelina G. Escuderoc) Mrs Maria Lourdes Acosta-Alba

Q2

Singapore a) Mr Lim Biow Chuanb) Dr Teo Ho Pinc) Mr Liang Eng Hwad) Dr Lim Wee Kiake) Ms Sylvia Lim

Thailand a) Mrs Bilabhan Sampatisirib) Mrs Kanjanaratt Leevirojanac) Mr Anusart Suwanmongkol

Vietnam a) Mr Vu Hai Hab) Mr Duong Quoc Anhc) Mr Nguyen Hoang Maid) Mrs Le Thu Hae) Mr Don Tuan Phong

3 The Committee drafted the Joint Communique of the 39th General Assembly of AIPA, which is attached hereto.

Thank you.

MR CHARLES CHONG CHAIRPERSON

MR VIKRAM NAIR RAPPORTEUR

Q3




(Doc 39GA/2018/JC)

JOINT COMMUNIQUÈ OF THE THIRTY NINTH (39TH) GENERAL ASSEMBLY

OF THE ASEAN INTER-PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY (AIPA)

I INTRODUCTION

1 Pursuant to the decision of the 38th General Assembly of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary

Assembly (AIPA) held in Manila, the Philippines, on 14 – 20 September 2017, and in

accordance with the Statutes of AIPA, the 39th General Assembly was held in Singapore from 3

– 7 September 2018.

2 Mr Tan Chuan-Jin, President of AIPA and the Speaker of the Parliament of Singapore

presided over the 39th General Assembly of AIPA.

3 The 40th General Assembly will be held in Bangkok, Thailand in August 2019.

II WELCOME SPEECH


Parliament of Singapore noted that even as ASEAN commemorated its 51st anniversary this

year, it has become more necessary for the grouping to ensure it remained adaptable and nimble.

He commended ASEAN for having taken active steps to ensure that the grouping thrived,

including establishing the ASEAN Community in 2015. Thus, he said the theme of “Resilience

and Innovation” selected to mark Singapore’s Chairmanship of ASEAN this year would build

upon community-building efforts to-date.

5 Mr Tan noted that, in a similar vein, AIPA as a body had evolved to become more

effective and inclusive: it has changed its name from the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary

Q4

Organisation (AIPO), to the current AIPA; it has expanded to embrace the Parliaments of all 10

ASEAN Member States; it now engages with 12 Observer Parliaments from around the world at

its General Assemblies; and it has set up mechanisms like the AIPA Caucus to work towards

developing common legislative initiatives to harmonise the laws of ASEAN Member States.

6 Hence, he believed that amidst the changes, AIPA continued to be an important platform

to promote regional cooperation and understanding. He reaffirmed predecessors’ hopes that

AIPA would continue to contribute to the building of mutual understanding, trust and

confidence amongst its Member Parliaments.

7 Reminding delegates that AIPA parliamentarians played a unique role as interlocutors

between ASEAN the organisation and ASEAN the people, Mr Tan said, as representatives of

our respective citizens, AIPA parliamentarians were in a unique position to raise awareness of

what ASEAN does, to communicate the benefits of the ASEAN Community to the man on the

street and to give voice to the real-life issues that affect our citizens. He urged AIPA

parliamentarians to focus on creating a more resilient, more innovative ASEAN that can best

serve the people of this region for generations to come.

III OPENING ADDRESS



have met regularly and have developed a high level of mutual understanding and respect,

resulting in broader cooperation between ASEAN Member States. He was glad that intra- and

inter-regional trade had allowed ASEAN economies to grow collectively and steadily, and

marveled at how greater connectivity had fostered closer people-to-people ties among ASEAN

citizens.

9 Mr Teo, however, sounded a warning that ASEAN’s continued centrality should not be

taken for granted as the geopolitical landscape could shift rapidly and suddenly. As ASEAN

navigates the present volatile times, Mr Teo said it was timely for the region’s parliamentarians

to consider what AIPA’s role could be in supporting ASEAN’s continued centrality. He

suggested 4 C’s that AIPA could focus on.

Q5

10 First, a more Cohesive ASEAN. Mr Teo was of the view that AIPA was an important

platform for the region’s parliamentarians to come together and to identify and discuss matters

of common concern. Through the regular meetings, he said AIPA played a crucial role in

fostering greater cohesion and regional cooperation, and believed that the strong parliamentary

ties built would strengthen ASEAN’s resilience against emerging security challenges at all

levels. He thus urged all AIPA parliamentarians to continue providing mutual cooperation and

support to one another to strengthen the collective efforts.

11 Second, a more Connected ASEAN. He said as representatives of the people, AIPA

parliamentarians had a key role to play in helping citizens better understand the importance of a

more inter-connected ASEAN and the need to pursue free and open markets. In particular, when

faced with the current situation where some countries were rejecting the open and rules-based

multilateral trading system, Mr Teo said ASEAN must avoid the temptation to regress, look

inward and implement protectionist policies in their respective countries that will set the whole

region back. He believed that AIPA parliamentarians could play a crucial role in the efforts on

this front.

12 Third, a more Creative ASEAN. Mr Teo said AIPA parliamentarians were well-placed to

encourage a mind-set of creativity and innovation among the ASEAN populations. He pointed

out that the digital revolution was driving rapid changes in economic, social and even political

interactions. He thus urged AIPA parliamentarians to help ASEAN and its people to ride this

wave to greater benefit.

13 Fourth, a more Climate-Resilient ASEAN. Mr Teo was sure AIPA parliamentarians

played a critical role in the collective push for a low-carbon and climate-resilient ASEAN by

encouraging the promotion of sustainable growth and ecosystems in their own countries.


were vital against the current backdrop of uncertainty. He said parliaments represented the

people, made the laws of the land, and helped to explain the challenges of the world to our

people and how they must respond collectively. He believed that it would only be through

combined efforts that ASEAN could continue to be a cornerstone for peace and prosperity in the

world.

Q6

IV DELEGATIONS









Speaker of the Union Parliament; the Philippines was led by Ms Rose Marie J. Arenas, Deputy

Speaker of the House of Representatives; Singapore was led by Mr Charles Chong, Deputy

Speaker of Parliament; Thailand was led by Prof Pornpetch Wichitcholchai, President of the

National Assembly and Vietnam was led by General Do Ba Ty, Vice President of the National

Assembly.


Senate; Belarus was led by Mr Dmitry Shevtsov; Canada was led by Mr Terrence Sheehan; the

European Parliament was led by Mr Werner Langen; India was led by Mr Kirti Vardhan

Singh; Japan was led by Mr Motome Takisawa; the People’s Republic of China was led by

Ms Wei Lv; the Republic of Korea was led by Mr Lee Soo Hyuck; Russia was led by Mr

Stepan Zhiriakov and Timor Leste was led by Ms Maria Angelina Lopes Sarmento, Vice

President of Parliament.


General.

19 For the Guests of the Host, the ASEAN Secretariat was led by Dato Lim Jock Hoi,

ASEAN Secretary-General; Morocco was led by Mr Abdelaaziz Omari, Vice President of the


Q7

V VICE-PRESIDENTS OF 39TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY


of Delegations of the AIPA Member Parliaments as Vice-Presidents of the 39th General

Assembly of AIPA.

VI STATEMENTS BY LEADERS OF DELEGATIONS OF AIPA MEMBER

PARLIAMENTS

21 The Leaders of Delegations of the AIPA Member Parliaments delivered their respective

statements at the First Plenary session of the 39th General Assembly.

Brunei Darussalam

22 Pehin Dato Abdul Rahman bin Mohamed Taib, Speaker of Legislative Council of Brunei

Darussalam, said the theme of 39th General Assembly of AIPA demonstrated that the region’s

commitment and continued support towards the ASEAN agenda remained ceaseless. He said

this was evident in the issues, such as promoting economic development, improving people's

welfare and security challenges, and tackling technological advances that were scheduled to be

deliberated in the Committees of WAIPA and Political, Economic and Social Matters by AIPA

at this Assembly. He stressed, however, that it was essential for decisions to be made with

mutual respect and in compliance with AIPA statutes and in alignment with ASEAN pillars.

Pehin Dato Abdul Rahman bin Mohamed Taib pledged Brunei Darussalam’s continued support

to AIPA's aspirations to achieve peace and security of the people in the region, and to learn from

the best practices of fellow AIPA Members. For instance, he noted that regional parliamentary

workshops, forums and meetings were conducted by AIPA to review and harmonise laws

wherever possible and necessary. An example is the Regional Parliamentary Workshop on

Strengthening Legal Frameworks to Protect Children from Sexual Exploitation in Travel and

Tourism held recently in Bali. He also highlighted the work of the AIPA Advisory Council on

Dangerous Drugs which highlighted that as the legislative body in their respective countries,

AIPA Parliaments had to be meticulous to address illicit drug activities and work in alignment

with the ASEAN Work Plan on Securing Communities against Illicit Drugs 2016-2025.

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23 In closing, Pehin Dato Abdul Rahman bin Mohamed Taib said AIPA was a perfect

platform to learn and study experiences of other countries, as well as to exchange political,

economic and social integration ideas.

Cambodia

24 Mr Tep Ngorn of the National Assembly of Cambodia made reference to the theme

"Towards a Resilient and Innovative Community". He said it was crucial and closely linked to

the current regional and global context that had been changing rapidly in political, socio-

economic, security dimensions and in terms of advances in technology.

25 He was of the view that to realise the goal of being resilient and innovative, ASEAN as a

regional grouping would need to stand firm against protectionist trends by further promoting

trade liberalisation and accelerating negotiations to conclude the Regional Comprehensive

Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the Free Trade Agreement with the European Union. He

stressed, however, that this must be done based on the fundamental principles of mutual respect

for independence, sovereignty, equality and non-interference, through regular consultations,

deepening dialogues and promoting the principle of consensus-based decision-making.

26 Mr Tep Ngorn suggested that AIPA could play a role in the process by urging ASEAN

Member States to improve skills development of its people, promote investment in physical

infrastructure especially in transportation and telecommunications, support Research and

Development efforts, and create a conducive environment for Foreign Direct Investments. At the

same time, he said, AIPA would need to further promote cultural and people-to-people

exchanges especially amongst our youths and encourage the implementation of the ASEAN

Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response, and ASEAN's Statement on One

ASEAN, One Response: ASEAN Responding to Disasters as One in the Region and Outside the

Region.

27 Mr Tep Ngorn added that the other role AIPA Member Parliaments could play was to

foster the consistency of important legislation and national policies in relation to environment,

culture, women, children, drugs, socio-economic, politics and security as well as in the

prevention of cyber-crimes.

28 He concluded by emphasising that Cambodia remained committed to firmly respecting

constitutional powers, the principles of liberal democracy, pluralism, respect for human rights

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and the rule of law. To this end, he said Cambodia would strive to maintain peace in order to

contribute to the development and stability in the region. He also pledged that the new

Parliament, elected in the recent July 2018 general elections, and the new Government of the

Kingdom of Cambodia would continue to cooperate with countries in the region and the world

to achieve common interests on the basis of equality, rights, respect for sovereignty and non-

interference.

Indonesia

29 Mr Bambang Soesatyo, Speaker of the People’s Representative Council of Indonesia,

emphasized the role of AIPA in pursuing a resilient and innovative ASEAN, and to realise the

ASEAN Vision 2025 through the constitutional mandate of legislation, budget, and oversight.

For ASEAN to be a resilient community, ASEAN must be able to cope with turbulence at the

regional and global levels.

30 Mr Soesatyo touched on the recent humanitarian situation in the region. Following recent

earthquakes in Lombok and its surrounding areas, Indonesia acknowledged the considerable

attention shown by neighbouring ASEAN countries. Indonesia was committed to improving its

capacity in disaster risk reduction, mitigation, and preparedness, and would continue to support

investment and capacity building in these aspects at the national, regional, and global levels. Mr

Soesatyo also expressed Indonesia’s concern on the persisting humanitarian crisis in Myanmar

that required collective action, and called for a viable and long term solution to address the root

causes of the conflict and to bring peace, stability, the rule of law, and to promote harmony and

reconciliation among the various communities, as well as to ensure sustainable and equitable

development across the region.

31 Furthermore, Mr Soesatyo said ASEAN’s economy must be resilient amidst a surge of

trade tension and protectionism. Pointing out that financial market volatility, growing risks of

trade disputes, and fast growing digital technologies present challenges, Indonesia highlighted

the need to pursue expanded cooperation, such as through the Regional Comprehensive

Economic Partnership. In terms of achieving a vision of an innovative community, AIPA

Member Parliaments could contribute through legislation, budgeting, and oversight support in

the development of infrastructure and connectivity between regions, particularly under the

umbrella of the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity 2025.

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32 Mr Soesatyo added that efforts had to be made to elevate the institutional capacity of

AIPA, particularly in terms of decision making. Although the principle of consensus played a

significant role in ensuring stability in the region, Mr Soesatyo expected that AIPA would be

able to come up with alternatives in its decision making systems to keep up with regional

dynamics.

Lao People’s Democratic Republic

33 Mrs Pany Yathotou, President of the National Assembly of Lao PDR, started her

statement by expressing thanks and sincere gratitude to the Government and the people of

Singapore as well as the ASEAN family, ASEAN’s dialogue partners, and regional and

international organisations for the sympathy and humanitarian assistance extended to the people

and Government of the Lao PDR, particularly to those affected by the collapse of the saddle dam

of the Xe Pien-Xe Namnoy hydropower project in Sanamxay district, Attapeu province in Lao

PDR on 23 July 2018. She was heartened by what she saw as a clear demonstration of a genuine

spirit of caring, solidarity and encouragement.

34 Mrs Yathotou said the Lao National Assembly supported the theme of the 39th General

Assembly of AIPA, “Towards a Resilient and Innovative Community”, which was supportive to

the realisation of the ASEAN Leaders’ Vision for a Resilient and Innovative ASEAN with a

view to building an ASEAN Community that would serve as an important driving force for the

implementation of various action plans as well as ASEAN Vision 2025. Mrs Yathotou believed

the ASEAN Community could only become truly resilient and innovative when all ASEAN

Member States became resilient and innovative. Thus, she said it was essential and necessary for

ASEAN to intensify its cooperation in helping one another.

35 Mrs Yathotou also stressed that Lao PDR attached great importance to the development

of science, technology and innovation by adopting the National Strategic Plan on Science and

Technology Development for the period 2013-2020 and Vision 2030 in response to the national

development needs for industrialisation and modernization of the nation. She was sure these

would contribute to Lao PDR’s continued national efforts to graduate from the Least Developed

Country status by the early 2020s. She explained that Lao PDR has set an ambitious goal to

achieve by 2030 the development and application of science, technology and innovation aimed

at accelerating national development.

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36 She said, going ahead, as the region moved towards a resilient and innovative

community in accordance with the ASEAN Leaders’ Vision, AIPA Member Parliaments should

further strengthen the cooperation in promoting scientific research and development, technology

and innovation; enhancing public-private-partnership; and harmonising regulatory legislation

and policies related to science and technology by encouraging governments of ASEAN Member

countries to translate Action Plan on Scientific Development into policies and regulations. She

also believed AIPA should continue to dialogue with ASEAN’s external partners, to provide

technical assistance to CLMV countries in order to narrow the development gap and promote

competitiveness and to disseminate scientific and technological innovation to people and

entrepreneurs in order for them to apply such innovation into socio-economic development and

improve the livelihood of peoples. By taking these actions, Mrs Yathotou said the region could

build a resilient community and move forward together towards a community of shared destiny

where no one would be left behind.

Malaysia

37 Dato’ Mohamad Ariff Md Yusof, Speaker of the House of Representatives of Malaysia,

noted how Malaysia had its 14th General Election in May 2018, and for the first time after 61

years saw a peaceful transition of a change of government. He said with this change of a new

government, it was crucial for the new breed of parliamentarians to continue to demonstrate a

high degree of integrity, morality and to continuously uphold the rule of law, good governance

with transparency. He stressed that all levels of the community should be treated equally and

with equity.

38 Dato’ Mohamad Ariff Md Yusof said in championing the principles of togetherness and

teamwork, the parliamentarians would have to take a more holistic approach. He said they had to

be equipped with the knowledge and understanding of grassroots needs for better economic

growth, social development and environmental protection besides focusing on political

perspectives. He felt that understanding the impact of the 4th Industrial Revolution was also

crucial in embracing the ever changing needs of the public.

39 He was aware that ASEAN aspired for positive changes in the livelihood and well-being

of its more than 635 million people through a process of deeper integration based on rules based,

people-oriented and people-centred ASEAN Community. He said the participation and

contribution of women was vital towards achieving the ASEAN Community and that women

parliamentarians as leaders could play a more interactive role to achieve this.

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40 He said in order to realise a more resilient and innovative ASEAN Community, the

application of laws, good leadership and the consideration of the ethnicities, religious, cultural

and traditional diversities should be practised. He was of the view that ASEAN

parliamentarians, being the representatives of the people should also play a more vital role by

promoting and enhancing the public awareness about ASEAN and its functions.

41 In conclusion, Dato’ Mohamad Ariff Md Yusof said ASEAN and AIPA must continue to

work hard to move forward and see through all challenges together and strive for regional peace,

security, stability and prosperity.

Myanmar

42 In his statement, Mr Tun Tun Hein, Deputy Speaker of the Union Parliament of

Myanmar, drew the attention of AIPA Members to current challenges and uncertainties,

highlighting as examples, non-traditional security threats and the threats of environmental

degradation which result in climate change, extreme weather patterns and extinction of

biodiversity. He said no country could act alone to tackle these issues and urged AIPA Member

Parliaments to be vigilant to address these challenges collectively in alignment with the goal for

a resilient ASEAN Community.

43 As for opportunities on the horizon, Mr Tun Tun Hein acknowledged that the Fourth

Industrial Revolution was transforming lives everywhere, but pointed out that developing

countries may not be able to afford the new technologies and innovations. These countries, he

said, may thus find it difficult to reap benefits and achieve sustained development from the

digital revolution.

44 Mr Tun Tun Hein also shared with AIPA Members the progress that Myanmar has made

as it worked to bring reform to its political, economic and social systems. He admitted that the

country faced difficulties in its journey but assured delegates that deep-rooted issues such as

corruption, violation of human rights and drug trafficking were being handled by the highest

level of authority. The complex issue of Rakhine State, he added, was being addressed

intensively since the inception of the government. Despite the challenges, he said Myanmar

remained convinced that for the development of the country, a democratic system must be

upheld. He wrapped up his statement by adding that Myanmar looked forward to the

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understanding and cooperation of fellow ASEAN Parliaments as it strengthened and developed

democracy in the country.

Philippines

45 In her statement, Ms Rose Marie J. Arenas, Deputy Speaker of the House of

Representatives of the Philippines, expressed her support for Singapore’s theme of a resilient

and innovative ASEAN. Beyond the re-affirmation of ASEAN principles, Ms Arenas underlined

the need to support initiatives and concrete measures that ensure the peace, stability, security

and prosperity of our region, such as enhancement of regional cooperation against terrorism,

proposal to establish an ASEAN Centre towards promoting healthy and active ageing, amongst

others.

46 At this important juncture in the life of ASEAN, Ms Rose Marie J. Arenas said AIPA

would be an indispensable forum for generating sustainable and responsive measures to further

stabilise ASEAN's development while initiating measures for long-term solutions that would

diminish our peoples' fears and ensure equitable growth in our respective economies. She was of

the view that the inclusion of more observer countries in AIPA was a clear indication of how

actively engaged the General Assembly is with the global forum.

47 In closing, she expressed confidence that AIPA Member Parliaments would work

together to strengthen our united front to show a caring and sharing ASEAN that would be

prepared to overcome the challenges, ready to capture present and future opportunities, and firm

in our faith in the region's positive prospects.

Thailand

48 Prof Pornpetch Wichitcholchai, President of the National Assembly of Thailand,

underlined the importance of the AIPA General Assembly, which provides a valuable and

significant opportunity for parliamentarians to share and exchange practices of mutual benefit

for the people. Throughout the years, engagement through parliamentary dialogue has enhanced

parliamentary friendship into a strategic partnership. Prof Wichitcholchai noted that Thailand

wished to see AIPA remain relevant and coherent by maintaining its flexible and constructive

position on new emerging threats such as terrorism, cybercrime, human trafficking, effects of

natural disasters, and other transboundary threats.

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49 Prof Wichitcholchai said the ASEAN region had witnessed unprecedented calamities

over the past few months. A prominent incident was the rescue mission of a young football team

trapped in a cave in Chiang Rai province, a dam collapse in the Attapeu province in Lao PDR,

and a series of powerful earthquakes in Lombok. These unpredictable events had taught

ASEAN major lessons on disaster response and humanitarian measures on rescue missions. In

addition, timely preparation for disaster management was crucial in coping with such

unpredictable events, making such tasks a mountain to conquer.

50 Prof Wichitcholchai said he believed that AIPA could do more on legislative

connectivity. As a legislative institution, AIPA could share information, learn the good and the

bad from our neighbours and partners regarding approaches and experiences on legislative

practices. As such, Thailand had proposed a draft resolution on the Collection and Exchange of

Information on Laws of AIPA, to encourage Member Parliaments to develop and update their

legal database and to facilitate access to laws in ASEAN to promote legal understanding, and to

strengthen and increase ASEAN’s competitiveness. Sharing common concerns and realising

differences and similarities would bring us one step closer to achieving the role of parliamentary

contributions to ASEAN integration, and to augment the realisation of the ASEAN Community.

51 Prof Wichitcholchai said Thailand wished to see AIPA enter its fourth decade of

cooperation by continuing to be a platform of parliamentary cooperation with the aim to bring

peace, stability, and prosperity to ASEAN citizens. Therefore, legislative connectivity was key

to promoting better understanding, greater competitiveness, inclusiveness, and a sense of

community.

Vietnam

52 In his statement, General Do Ba Ty, Vice President of the National Assembly of

Vietnam, shared that amidst the recent developments in the world and regional economic as well

as political situation, although ASEAN has made significance achievements in Community

building, multiple traditional and non-traditional security challenges, notably terrorism, climate

change and complex developments in the South China Sea threaten peace and stability in the

whole region. Therefore, he welcomed the theme of the 39th General Assembly of AIPA of

“Towards a Resilient and Innovative Community”, which should be promoted across all three

pillars.

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53 He applauded the 32nd ASEAN Chairman Statement that reflected ASEAN’s joint

commitment to the peaceful settlement of disputes, with full respect given to diplomatic and

legal processes, without resorting to the threat or use of force, in accordance with common

principles of international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS as well as to maintain solidarity,

unity and ASEAN centrality which are key elements of political resilience. As for economic

resilience, he said this would be enhanced with regional competitiveness, promote intra-bloc

trade and investment and deepen regional economic linkages. Socially, he said ASEAN's

resilience would do well to continue its efforts to protect ASEAN people from natural disasters,

impacts of climate change and epidemics, to facilitate human mobility, open up opportunities for

employment, education and timely assistance. As for culture, he believed that ASEAN’s

resilience meant maintaining cultural identity in diversity and respect for differences.

54 He also shared his view about how the building of an Innovative ASEAN Community

would be to adopt new technologies to leverage on benefits of the digital economy, develop high

quality human resources and increase access to information for the people.

55 In closing, General Do Ba Ty re-affirmed that the National Assembly of Vietnam would

continue to play an active role and engaging responsibly in international and regional affairs so

as to contribute to the formulation and reform of AIPA's working procedures, as well as

supporting ASEAN Leaders’ Vision for a Resilient and Innovative ASEAN. He called on AIPA

to (1) uphold the principles and norms of ASEAN's conduct, abide by international law,

strengthen solidarity and unity, promote trust building, and actively fulfill the commitments

within ASEAN; (2) coordinate in legal action to facilitate the implementation of ASEAN

cooperation agenda in all areas; (3) enhance the role of Parliaments in overseeing the

implementation of the ASEAN Master Plan; (4) strengthen cooperation with the AIPA

Observers; and (5) continue to reform the procedures and improve operational efficiency.

Singapore

56 Mr Charles Chong, Deputy Speaker of the Parliament of Singapore, delivered the final

statement. He commenced his speech by remembering how ASEAN had commemorated its 50th

Anniversary last year and how AIPA would be hosting its 40th General Assembly next year,

adding that the longevity of an organisation was determined by how it was able to stay nimble

and consistently adapt to changing circumstances. Thus, while much had been achieved, Mr

Chong said more work remained as ASEAN and AIPA continued to work hard to implement all

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three ASEAN Community Blueprints so as to bring about concrete benefits for the people of

ASEAN and uplift their quality of life.

57 Mr Chong observed that ASEAN Leaders had adopted a joint statement for a Resilient

and Innovative ASEAN that articulated their assessment of the changing geopolitical and

economic landscape, set out the key principles that underpinned ASEAN’s collective vision,

affirmed the Leaders commitment to build a Resilient and Innovative ASEAN for the future and

identified concrete initiatives that ASEAN would undertake to realise this vision. These

initiatives include the ASEAN Smart Cities Network and the ASEAN Leaders’ Statement on

Cybersecurity Cooperation. Mr Chong said it was to show support to these initiatives that

Singapore had proposed draft resolutions for this General Assembly related to digital

advancement and cybersecurity.

58 Mr Chong ended his statement by reminding delegates that AIPA parliamentarians were

in the unique position of being both the direct representatives of the people of ASEAN and a

conduit between these people and the governments of ASEAN. Thus, he said, AIPA played a

key role in translating ASEAN agreements into domestic action.

VII STATEMENT BY ASEAN SECRETARY-GENERAL

59 Dato Lim Jock Hoi, Secretary-General of ASEAN delivered a statement at the General

Assembly. Dato Lim said the ASEAN Secretariat had long engaged with legislators of ASEAN

Member States, who had an important role in ensuring that ASEAN was well understood and

communicated to the people, and in the realisation of the ASEAN Community. Dato Lim said the

ASEAN Secretariat was ready to work closely with AIPA on this important journey.

VIII STATEMENTS OF THE HEADS OF DELEGATION OF OBSERVER

PARLIAMENTS

60 Heads of Delegation of Observer Parliaments namely: Australia, Belarus, Canada,

People’s Republic of China, the European Parliament, India, Japan, Republic of Korea, Russian

Federation and Timor Leste presented their statements at the General Assembly.

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VIII COMMITTEE MEETINGS AND DIALOGUE PANELS

61 The Committees proceeded with their meetings to consider the agenda assigned by the

General Assembly.

Executive Committee Matters

62 The Meeting of the Executive Committee of AIPA, was chaired by Mr Tan Chuan-Jin,

President of AIPA and the Speaker of the Parliament of Singapore. Ms Tin Pei Ling was the

Rapporteur and Mr Isra Sunthornvut, AIPA Secretary-General, was the Secretary to the meeting.

The Meeting discussed the following:

Presentation of the Report of the 1st AIPA Advisory Council on Dangerous Drugs

(AIPACODD) to be adopted by the Committee on Social Matters;

Adopted the Programme of Activities, Draft Agenda Items for the 39th General

Assembly, Topic for Dialogue with the Observer Parliaments, and the Establishment and

Composition of Committees and Panels;

In considering the Date and Venue of the 40th AIPA General Assembly, the meeting

agreed to hold the 40th General Assembly of AIPA in Bangkok, Thailand, in August

2019.

Women Parliamentarians of AIPA (WAIPA)

63 The Meeting on Women Parliamentarians of AIPA (WAIPA) was chaired by Ms Sylvia

Lim and Miss Cheng Li Hui was the Rapporteur. The Meeting considered and approved two

resolutions for adoption by the General Assembly:


64 The WAIPA Meeting unanimously urged AIPA Member Parliaments and ASEAN

Member States to recognise the importance of gender equality and women entrepreneurship and

emphasised that barriers need to be removed so that women have equal access to opportunities

in education and employment, enabling them to seize economic opportunities.

65 The meeting focused on the importance of raising basic awareness and exposure of

women’s entrepreneurship for development.

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66 The meeting recommended that national chambers of commerce and industry in ASEAN

should support the expansion of market opportunities and increase business linkages within

ASEAN Member States.

67 After discussion, the Committee members agreed to adopt one additional operative

paragraph on the need to strengthen the supportive environment for socially and

environmentally responsible entrepreneurship, particularly to provide marketing support to

women entrepreneurships to ensure that the businesses they own and lead are sustainable.



68 The delegates of the WAIPA Meeting encouraged AIPA Member Parliaments to

strengthen joint efforts in harnessing new technologies to tackle inequality in all forms,

including social and economic inequality and to achieve inclusive growth in ASEAN Member

States. The meeting also acknowledged that Industrial Revolution 4.0 requires enhancement of

accessibility for more geographical areas within countries.

69 The meeting called upon ASEAN Member States to provide training for women towards

the elimination of the skills gap and digital illiteracy by enhancing public and private

collaboration, as well as maintaining efforts to increase the number of girls in Science,

Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education.

Political Matters

70 The Committee on Political Matters was presided over by Dr Teo Ho Pin as Chairperson,

while Ms Rahayu Mahzam was the Rapporteur. The Committee met and discussed at length

various issues related to the seven draft resolutions, viz.



c) Strengthening ASEAN Resilience against Terrorism and other Emerging SecurityChallenges



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g) Formalizing the Support by (1) the Committee of Permanent Representatives (CPR)To ASEAN and (2) ASEAN Ambassadors to ASEAN Member States to ASEANInter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA)

71 No resolution was adopted.

Economic Matters

72 The Committee on Economic Matters was chaired by Mr Liang Eng Hwa and Mr Chong

Kee Hiong was the Rapporteur. The Committee considered and approved all five resolutions for

adoption by the General Assembly:

a) Resolution on Strengthening Cooperation to Promote Cross-Border Data Flows in

ASEAN

73 The Committee agreed on the strengthening of cooperation to promote cross-border data

flows and acknowledged that there exists a need among ASEAN Member States to work

collectively on related cybersecurity issues and capacity building initiatives. The Committee

unanimously agreed that AIPA Member Parliaments should encourage their governments to

review and consider harmonising policies on data protection so as to balance the rights of

individuals and businesses in the ASEAN region.

74 On a proposal to work towards harmonizing the laws and regulations among ASEAN, it

was acknowledged that it might be challenging to harmonize legal frameworks and proposed to

acknowledge this point.


75 The Committee stressed the important role of the digital economy in changing the pace

of global trade, driving economic growth, promoting innovative development and increasing

economic participation in ASEAN. In furtherance of this, the Committee agreed on the need to

promote innovation and e-commerce in ASEAN through the development of ICT infrastructure,

improving Internet speed and coverage, and ensuring reliability so as to attract investment and



76 The Committee recalled and fully endorsed the vision of the ASEAN Economic

Committee 2025 in creating a deeply integrated and highly cohesive ASEAN economy that

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would support sustained high economic growth and resilience. In similar vein, the Committee

also discussed the importance of deepening regional economic integration in ASEAN and

reaffirmed their commitment to highly integrated and cohesive economies achieving free and

open markets in ASEAN. It was hoped that this would result in job creation and the

improvement of living standards.


77 The Committee unanimously agreed to the draft resolution on Good Regulatory Practices

(GRPs) to support integration in ASEAN. The Committee agreed to recognize the six GRP Core

Principles which were identified as relevant areas of focus, given the current development of

GRPs in both the ASEAN region and globally. The Committee agreed that GRP would seek to

improve ASEAN’s competitiveness and enhance engagement with the stakeholders. The

Committee agreed to periodically review GRPs with the view of improving the existing

regulation on GRP and enhancing engagement of stakeholders in the implementation of GRP


Between Economic Powerhouses

78 The Committee recalled the ASEAN Charter which called for an adherence to

multilateral trade rules and a rules-based regime for implementation of economic commitments

and the reduction of all barriers to regional economic integration. The Committee unanimously

agreed to enhance ASEAN’s commitment to address the impact of global trade tension. The

Committee agreed that an open and transparent trading system would contribute to inclusive

global growth and sustainable development. The Committee further stressed on the need for

global economic powerhouses to restrain and refrain from exercising unilateral measures and

highlighted on the importance to promote shared growth and prosperity for the people in the

region.

Social Matters

79 The Committee on Social Matters was presided over by Dr Lim Wee Kiak as

Chairperson and Mr Henry Kwek as Rapporteur. The Committee discussed and approved one

report and four resolutions for adoption by the General Assembly:

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a) Report of the 1st AIPACODD Meeting and the Resolutions on Securing a Drug-

Free ASEAN Community for Future Generations and The Terms of Reference for

AIPACODD

80 The Committee considered the report and the two resolutions that had arisen from the 1st

AIPACODD Meeting held in Singapore from 18-21 June 2018, and unanimously approved the

report and two resolutions, entitled “Securing a Drug-Free ASEAN Community for Future

Generations” and “The Terms of Reference for AIPACODD”.

b) Resolution on Promoting Digital Literacy and Combating Fake News

81 The Committee considered the resolution and reiterated concerns on fake news

misleading the people of ASEAN, and that Information and Communications Technologies

(ICTs), along with its benefits, may also be misused for purposes that are inconsistent with the

objectives of maintaining international peace and security. Multiple additions were made to the

resolution which urged for greater freedom in universal access to information and

communication technology, called for stronger collaboration between ASEAN governments and

the private sector to bridge the digital gap, and to consider comprehensive measures towards

combating fake news.

c) Resolution on Support for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs)

82 The Committee unanimously agreed to the resolution. Context was given by the

Committee as to the drafting of the resolution. Three new clauses were considered to reaffirm

the wellbeing of PWDs, suggested a more comprehensive training programme and school-to-

work transition for PWDs, the enhancement of policies on removing barriers, and improving

access and strengthening of social services and programmes for PWDs.

d) Resolution on Environmental Sustainability and Sustainable Urban Ecosystems

83 The Committee unanimously agreed to adopt the resolution. The Committee included an

additional clause to reaffirm two previous Declarations - the ASEAN post-2015 Environmental

Sustainability and Climate Change Agenda and the 2007 Declaration on Environmental

Sustainability. An additional clause was also included to recommend ASEAN Member States to

consider various areas of policy reform towards competitive, sustainable and inclusive

metropolitan areas.

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Organisational Matters

84 The Committee on Organisational Matters was chaired by Mr Lim Biow Chuan, and Mr

Darryl David was the Rapporteur. The Committee discussed 19 draft resolutions and approved

14 resolutions for adoption by the General Assembly:

a) Resolution on AIPA Secretariat's Annual Report FY2017-2018

85 The resolution on the AIPA Secretariat's Annual Report FY2017-2018 was adopted by

delegates. The Committee also discussed and exchanged their views pertinent to overseas trips

taken by the AIPA Secretary-General that are not related to AIPA’s programmes. The

Committee agreed that trips not related to AIPA should be approved by the AIPA President, and

a trip report should be submitted after each trip. The Secretary-General noted the Committee’s

views on spending within the approved budget.

b) Resolution on Continuation of the Joint Programme between AIPA and the

Government of the Federal Republic of Germany through Deusche Gesellschaft

Fuer Internationale Zussamenarbeit (GIZ)

86 The Committee unanimously adopted the draft resolution on Continuation of the Joint

Programme between AIPA and the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany through

Deusche Gesellschaft Fuer Internationale Zussamenarbeit (GIZ).

c) Resolution on Expanding the Scope of Cooperation between Freeland Foundation

and the AIPA Secretariat

87 The Committee unanimously adopted the resolution on Expanding the Scope of


d) Resolution on the Financial Reports of the AIPA Secretariat

88 The resolution on the Financial Reports of the AIPA Secretariat was adopted by

delegates with minor edits. It included an amendment by Singapore to task the AIPA Secretariat

to have the AIPA Special Fund reflected separately in the statement of income and expenditure.


August 2018 to 31 July 2019; (2) Supplementary Estimates from 1 August 2019 to

30 September 2019; and (3) Special Fund

89 The Committee agreed to the resolution with some minor amendments. It included an

amendment to task the AIPA Secretariat to propose performance measurements for the AIPA

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Secretary-General’s performance bonus and gratuity for the next Committee on Organisational

Matters to consider, with the view of ensuring good financial planning and prudence.

f) Resolution on Submission of the Draft Resolution of AIPA Member Parliaments

with its Explanatory Note

90 The Committee exchanged views on the appropriate time for draft resolutions to be

submitted in advance and emergency items that could be tabled by each country. The Committee

agreed that six weeks prior to the General Assembly was adequate, and each AIPA Member

Parliament could only propose one emergency item to be decided by the Executive Committee

and the item must be submitted at least 72 hours before the Executive Committee meeting where

only one emergency item could be submitted to the General Assembly. The AIPA Secretariat is

also responsible to remind the AIPA Member Parliaments at least 8 weeks in advance of the

General Assembly to submit their draft resolution. The Committee agreed to the resolution with

these amendments.

g) Resolution on AIPA Distinguished Service Award to Dr Nurhayati Ali Assegaf

h) Resolution on AIPA Distinguished Service Award to Mr Anusart Suwanmongkol

91 The Committee unanimously adopted the resolutions on the AIPA Distinguished Service


i) (i) Draft Resolution on Guidelines of AIPA Engagement with Guests, Observers

and Dialogue Partners; (ii) Draft Resolution on Accrediting the Parliament of the

Kingdom of Norway as Observer of AIPA; (iii) Draft Resolution on Accrediting

the Parliament of the National Assembly of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan as

Observer of AIPA; (iv) Draft Resolution on Accrediting the Parliament of the

Republic of Georgia as Observer of AIPA

92 The Committee agreed for these draft resolutions to be deferred to an Ad-Hoc Working

Group comprising of nominees from each AIPA Member Parliament which may also include

senior officials from each AIPA National Secretariat. The Committee proposed for the Chairman

of the Ad-Hoc Working Group to be appointed by the President of AIPA and for the funding

associated to any meeting of this Ad-Hoc Working Group to come from the AIPA Special Fund

or GIZ. Details and composition of this Ad-Hoc Working Group will be proposed by the AIPA

Secretariat to the President of AIPA.

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j) Resolution on Development of New Organizational Design and Human Capacity

Development Plan for AIPA Secretariat

93 The Committee unanimously adopted the resolution on the Development of New

Organizational Design and Human Capacity Development Plan for AIPA Secretariat, noting that

all expenses will be funded by GIZ.

k) Resolution on Legal Status of the AIPA House

94 The AIPA Secretary-General explained the background of the situation. He shared that

the AIPA House was bought in 2014, and when he assumed the post of Secretary-General in

2016, he noted that the House still remained under the original seller’s name, and not the AIPA

Secretariat. Potential problems could arise if the legal status of the AIPA House is not resolved.

95 Hence, based on the report prepared by the lawyer hired by the AIPA Secretariat, an

estimate of USD 45,000 needs to be spent in order to arrange for a legal transfer of name from

the seller to AIPA Secretariat, in addition to USD 6,000 in fees for the lawyer, which has been

incurred to date.

96 The Committee agreed by consensus to adopt the resolution, and to incur a sum not

exceeding USD 55,000 from the reserves to resolve the legal issues

l) Draft Resolution on Amendment to the Statutes of AIPA

97 The Committee agreed by consensus to defer discussion on this draft resolution to the

next General Assembly when Thailand hosts the meeting. Indonesia agreed to resubmit the draft

resolution at the conclusion of this General Assembly.

m) Resolution on Appreciating the Services of Mr Tan Chuan-Jin as President of

AIPA

98 The Committee unanimously agreed to the resolution on Appreciating the Services of Mr

Tan Chuan-Jin as President of AIPA.

n) Resolution on Date and Venue of the 40th General Assembly

99 Thailand informed that the 40th General Assembly will be held in August 2019 in


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o) Resolution on Development of Web-Based and Online Database Resolutions

Adopted by AIPA

100 To the Committee’s query on whether the proposed monitoring function of the online

database duplicated the existing function of the AIPA Caucus to monitor the implementation of

resolutions, the AIPA Secretary-General clarified that as the online platform is intended to

facilitate easy access and quick reference of resolutions, it would not overlap with the current

scope of AIPA Caucus. He also confirmed that the online database will have a search function.

The Committee agreed by consensus to adopt the resolution.

p) Resolution on Appreciating Years of Service of Ms Ria Rumata Aritonang to AIPA

and AIPA Secretariat

101 The AIPA Secretary-General explained that in view of Ms Ria Rumata Aritonang’s long

and excellent service, it was important for AIPA to express gratitude to her years of service. The

Committee thanked Ms Ria R Aritonang for her years of service to AIPA and agreed by

consensus to adopt the resolution.


102 The General Assembly, through its dialogue panels, conducted separate meetings with

the 10 Observer Parliaments, namely: Australia, Belarus, Canada, the People’s Republic of

China, the European Parliament, India, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Russia and Timor Leste.

The topic for the dialogue meetings was the “Exchange of Experiences on Climate Action and

Active Ageing”.

IX 40TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF AIPA

103 The General Assembly accepted the kind offer of Thailand to host the 40th General

Assembly of AIPA in Bangkok, Thailand in August 2019.

X APPRECIATION TO HOST COUNTRY

104 The Delegations attending the General Assembly expressed their sincere appreciation to

the Government and Parliament of Singapore as well as the people of Singapore for their warm

hospitality and the excellent arrangements made for the 39th General Assembly of AIPA.

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XI ASEAN SPIRIT

105 The 39th General Assembly of AIPA was held in the traditional ASEAN spirit of

friendship, brotherhood and cooperation, in accordance with the concept of “musyawarah”

(deliberation) and “muafakat” (consensus).

ANNEX R

REPORTS OF DIALOGUE SESSIONS WITH OBSERVER

PARLIAMENTS

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Doc 39GA/2018/Dia/Australia

REPORT OF THE DIALOGUE WITH AUSTRALIA

The Dialogue session with Australia took place on 5 September 2018 at 2.20 pm. The session was presided over by Ms Foo Mee Har of the Parliament of Singapore as the Chairperson, and Mr Darryl David of the Parliament of Singapore was the Rapporteur. The following delegates attended the session:

OBSERVER PARLIAMENT Australia a) Mr Scott Ryanb) Mr Steve Georganas

AIPA MEMBER PARLIAMENT Brunei Darussalam a) Miss Khairunnisa Haji Ash'ari

Cambodia a) Mr Chhit Kim Yeat

Indonesia a) Mr Juliari P. Batubara

Lao PDR a) Mr Thanta Kongphalyb) Mrs Vanpheng Keonakhone

Malaysia a) Mr Kasthuriraani Pattob) Mr Syed Ibrahim bin Syed Noh

Myanmar a) Mr Naing Htoo Aungb) Dr Win Myint

Philippines a) Mrs Evelina Escudero

Singapore a) Mr Henry Kwekb) Mr Saktiandi Supaat

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Thailand a) ACM Chanat Ratana-Ubolb) Mr Anusart Suwanmongkol

Vietnam a) Mrs Mai Thi Phuong Hoa

2 The session discussed the following issues:

a) ASEAN-Australia relations: AIPA Members and Australia affirmed the warm andfriendly relations with Australia, underpinned by longstanding diplomatic relations.AIPA Members welcomed increased cooperation with Australia, particularly in theareas of sharing best practices and technical expertise in active ageing and climatechange.

b) Active ageing: The rise of an ageing population was a key issue for Australia andmajority of the AIPA Members, where it resulted in several economic and socialchallenges. The meeting shared the various healthcare policies, plans and systemsimplemented to mitigate the challenges of a rapidly ageing population in theirrespective countries and the region. The meeting agreed that aside from financialassistance and access to healthcare, building social connections and integration in thecommunity were also important aspects to examine when developing programmesfor active ageing.

c) Climate change: Climate change was a key issue for Australia and all AIPAMembers, and several countries were focusing more attention on this issue. Themeeting affirmed the delegates’ commitment to combat climate change at the highestlevels, including the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the Paris Agreement and the Kyoto Protocol. AIPA Members also shared thevarious policies and plans to mitigate climate change issues and promote sustainabledevelopment at societal and individual levels in their respective countries, includingthe set-up of research centers to look into climate change issues.

3 The meeting also made the following points:

a) Challenges in ageing populations across countries are diverse and evolving, andaddressing this issue is a long-term commitment. Australia would like to learnfrom ASEAN as well.

b) Australia shared that ageing should be spoken of positively, and not be viewed asa problem as countries developed and implemented their policies and plans. Thepoint was made that it was a collective responsibility to care for the oldergeneration and help seniors age with dignity.

c) Australia would continue to support AIPA Members in dealing with climatechange, and believed that combatting climate change would take a global effort.

4 With no further comments from delegates, the Chairperson called the session to a close at 3.30 pm.

5 The Report of the Dialogue with Australia will be included in the main Report of the 39th

AIPA General Assembly.

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Doc 39GA/2018/Dia/Belarus

REPORT OF THE DIALOGUE WITH BELARUS

The Dialogue session with Belarus took place on 5 September 2018 at 2.00 pm. The session was presided over by Mr Teo Ser Luck of the Parliament of Singapore as the Chairperson, and Mr Louis Ng of the Parliament of Singapore was the Rapporteur. The following delegates attended the session:

OBSERVER PARLIAMENT Belarus a) Mr Dmitry Shevtsov

AIPA MEMBER PARLIAMENT Brunei Darussalam a) Ms Nik Hafimi Abdul Haadii

Cambodia a) Mrs Khoun Khun Dy

Indonesia a) Mrs Endang S. Handayani

Lao PDR a) Mr Amphay Chitmanonhb) Mrs Thatsadaphone Sengsouliya

Malaysia a) Mr Akmal Nasrullah Bin Mohd Nasir

Myanmar a) Ms Htoot May

Philippines a) Mrs Mercedes K. Alvarez

Singapore a) Mr Yee Chia Hsing

Thailand a) Adm Krisda Charoenpanichb) Mr Kittisak Rattanavaraha

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Vietnam a) Mr Nguyen Van Tuyet


a) Active ageing:i. Ageing population is a key and growing concern for many countries. The

challenges of an ageing population include the rising demand for healthcareand an ageing labour force.

ii. All countries shared that they had introduced policies to promote activeageing, such as increasing the retirement age and providing subsidies fordaily necessities for the elderly e.g. healthcare, transport, groceries.

iii. Belarus shared that it had also increased its retirement age by three years.iv. Belarus shared that policies have been developed to help increase the number

of children in families through the provision of assistance and guarantees.However, these policies have yet to mature and a few years are required forthe outcomes to emerge.

b) Climate action:i. All countries agreed that the issue with climate change needed to be taken

seriously and that global action was required, as they had experienced first-hand the impact of climate change.

ii. Countries agreed that there was a need to strike a balance between economicgrowth and environmental protection to achieve sustainable development.

iii. All countries have ratified the Kyoto Protocol and Paris Agreement under theUnited Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) andremain committed to working towards reducing carbon emissions andgreenhouse gases. Policies and action plans have been introduced toimplement tax on carbon emissions and promote the use of renewable energyresources.

iv. Belarus shared that the country was one of the most energy-efficient. Afterthe Chernobyl disaster in 1986, Belarus introduced laws to protect the naturalenvironment which resulted in the increase in forested area and lakes.


4 The Report of the Dialogue with Belarus will be included in the main Report of the 39th


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Doc 39GA/2018/Dia/Canada

REPORT OF THE DIALOGUE WITH CANADA

The Dialogue session with Canada took place on 5 September 2018 at 2.00 pm. The session was presided over by Mr Ang Hin Kee of the Parliament of Singapore as the Chairperson, and Ms Rahayu Mahzam of the Parliament of Singapore was the Rapporteur. The following delegates attended the session:

OBSERVER PARLIAMENT Canada a) Mr Terry Sheehanb) Mr Mohamed-Iqbal Ravalia

AIPA MEMBER PARLIAMENT Brunei Darussalam a) Pehin Dato Haji Hasrin Haji Sabtub) Pehin Data Hj Judin Hj Asar

Cambodia a) Mr Khieu Muthb) Mr Somrach Oun

Indonesia a) Mrs Amelia Anggrainib) Ms Kartika Yudhisti

Lao PDR a) Dr Vilayvong Bouddakham

Malaysia a) Dato’ Hajah Hanifah Hajar Taib

Myanmar a) Mrs Pyone Kathy Naingb) Mr Zar Ni Min

Philippines a) Ms Maria Lourdes Acosta-Albab) Ms Corazon Alano

Singapore a) Dr Intan Azura Mokhtar

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Thailand a) Adm Saksith Cherdboonmuangb) ACM Chuchart Boonchai

Vietnam a) Mr Nguyen Van Giaub) Ms Nguyen Tuong Van


a) Active ageing: The Canadian delegation shared the country’s national policies andprogrammes to support the health and security of its ageing demographic.Implementation these policy and programmes were challenging due to the federal,provincial and territories jurisdiction structure. Other than formulating nationalpolicies, Canada had also embarked on scientific research on ageing diseases andcognitive disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Canada would like toseek close relationship with ASEAN Members for further collaboration andcooperation opportunity.

The meeting agreed that all ASEAN countries shared similar concerns as Canadawhere the ageing population was growing and thus, further collaboration amongcountries to exchange ideas and experiences could be beneficial. The commonconcerns included allowing the elderly to age with dignity, allowing them to take theinitiative to direct life and protecting them from trauma and abuse.

b) Climate change: The Canadian delegation said the country has undertaken strongactions domestically and globally to address climate change and continued to seekcollaboration to reinstate the 2015 climate change agreement to reduce green-housegases emission. Canada, itself had rolled out various initiatives such as theimposition of carbon tax and the implementation of a carbon trade system toencourage companies to reduce carbon emission.

The meeting highlighted that climate change has had impacted the livelihoods andeconomies with increased occurrence of natural disasters. Several AIPA Membersalso raised the need for consistent collaboration in humanitarian effort and naturaldisaster management.

Several AIPA Members have also made progress to meet their commitments in theParis Agreement by implementing various initiatives to address climate changeissues.

The Canadian delegation acknowledged the efforts made by ASEAN Member Statesin tackling climate changes, and added that climate change and pollution were cross-boundary issues where collaborative efforts by countries were critical. The Canadiandelegation also raised a concern over the increase in sea water levels which posed athreat to the coastal areas.

c) Other areas of collaboration: Several developmental sectors such as trade,investment, tourism and education were identified in the meeting where furthercollaboration could be fostered. Canada’s assistance was also sought in the area ofcapacity building.

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4 The Report of the Dialogue with Canada will be included in the main Report of the 39th


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Doc 39GA/2018/Dia/EP

REPORT OF THE DIALOGUE WITH EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

The Dialogue session with European Parliament took place on 5 September 2018 at 2.00 pm. The session was chaired by Mr Desmond Choo of the Parliament of Singapore, and Ms Joan Pereira of the Parliament of Singapore was the Rapporteur. The following delegates attended the session:

OBSERVER PARLIAMENT European Parliament a) Mr Werner Langenb) Ms Neena Gillc) Mr Richard Ashworth

AIPA MEMBER PARLIAMENT Brunei Darussalam a) Ms Siti Rozaimeriyanty Haji Abdul Rahmanb) Mr Haji Ramli Haji Lahit

Cambodia a) Mr Yang Sem

Lao PDR a) Prof Dr Eksavang Vongvichit

Malaysia a) Mr Wong Chenb) Datin Mastura Binti Mohd Yazid

Myanmar a) Mr Bo Bo Oo

Philippines a) Mr Rodrigo A. Abellanosa

Singapore a) Mr Sitoh Yih Pinb) Mr Dennis Tan

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Thailand a) Mrs Bilaibhan Sampatisirib) Assoc Prof Sarana Boonbaichaiyapruck

Vietnam a) Mr Nguyen Huu Quang


a) Active Ageing

In their introduction, the European Parliament acknowledged the challenges faced byageing populations, specifically a shrinking workforce and rising demand for careservices. The European Parliament encouraged knowledge sharing on how topromote active ageing and approaches to address these challenges.

The European Parliament encouraged the meeting to tap new technology to improvethe efficiency and access of care services, thereby improving the quality of life forseniors. The European Parliament welcomed the meeting to participate and partnerthem in on-going research programmes that look to develop technologies in this field.On top of improving care services, the European Parliament also expressed the needto encourage lifelong learning so that older persons could continually be engaged inthe workforce.

The meeting reaffirmed the importance of developing initiatives that promote activeageing and caring for the elderly in the community.

b) Climate Change

The European Parliament noted on-going collaborations with AIPA MemberParliaments on raising renewable energy capacity as well as improving energyefficiency through technical and knowledge transfer. The European Parliament calledfor strengthening the collaborations and partnerships on existing programmes todevelop financially sustainable programmes to tackle climate change. The EuropeanParliament also stressed the importance of delivering on the Paris Agreement goals.

The meeting noted the need to balance between economic and social considerationsin order to achieve sustainable economic growth. The meeting agreed on theimportance of addressing the issue of climate change and outlined certainprogrammes to mitigate the negative effects of climate change. They also agreed thatthere is potential for further collaboration with the European Parliament. The meetinglooked forward to the support of the European Parliament in exchanging their bestpractices to address issues pertaining to climate change as well as data sharing forbetter awareness between policy makers.

c) Strengthening ties between AIPA Member Parliaments and the EuropeanParliament

The meeting outlined existing programmes and efforts in addressing the challengesof an ageing population and climate change, demonstrating their deep commitment tothe causes. The meeting agreed that the continued sharing of best practices with theEuropean Parliament was a valuable opportunity for deepening conversations on key

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strategic issues. The European Parliament stressed the importance of further strengthening ties between AIPA Member Parliaments and the European Parliament. They suggested more regular and in-depth discussions, and developing action plans through bilateral meetings.

4 With no further comments from the meeting, the Chairperson closed the session at 3.30 pm.

5 The Report of the Dialogue with European Parliament will be included in the main Report of the 39th AIPA General Assembly.

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Doc 39GA/2018/Dia/India

REPORT OF THE DIALOGUE WITH INDIA

The Dialogue session with India took place on 5 September 2018 at 2.00 pm. The session was presided over by Mr Gan Thiam Poh of the Parliament of Singapore as the Chairperson, and Mr Melvin Yong of the Parliament of Singapore was the Rapporteur. The following delegates attended the session:

OBSERVER PARLIAMENT India a) Mr Kirti Vardhan Singh

AIPA MEMBER PARLIAMENT Brunei Darussalam a) Pehin Dato Haji Abdul Ghani Haji Abdul Rahimb) Mr Haji Ramli Haji Lahit

Cambodia a) Mrs Mean Som An

Indonesia a) Mrs Kartika Yudhistib) Mr Sudiro Asno

Lao PDR a) Dr Phonephet Boupha

Malaysia a) Datuk Wira Hajah Mas Ermieyati Binti Samsudinb) Mr Hasanuddin Bin Mohd Yunusc) Datuk Sambanthan Manickam

Myanmar a) Prof Than Win

Philippines a) Mr Jorge T. Almonte

Singapore a) Mr Chong Kee Hiong

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Thailand a) Mrs Saowanee Suwannacheepb) Ms Orajit Singkalavanich

Vietnam a) Mrs Dinh Thi Phuong Lan


a) Climate change:i. The delegates agreed that climate change was a global issue requiring global

action and intervention.ii. It was mentioned that rising sea levels were a particular problem for ASEAN,

given that most member countries were surrounded by sea.iii. Relatedly, India shared the problems that a country its size and with its

population faces, with different areas of the country impacted differently byclimate change. This called for area-specific solutions to address the effectsof climate change.

iv. Each country shared its action plan to address climate change. These includedfiscal approaches such as tax reforms to cut carbon emissions, or corporateprogrammes like reforestation to compensate for carbon emissions; socialprogrammes like campaigns to reduce plastic bag use, car-free days; andpromoting the use of sustainable and renewable energy sources such as solaror thermal.

v. In closing, India called on ASEAN to work collectively, with a reminder thatfunds like the Green Climate Fund could be tapped on to help combat climatechange.

b) Active ageing:i. Each delegate shared his or her country’s approach to maintaining a high

quality of life for the elderly.ii. One common point was the importance of having a robust health, social, and

economic framework to support a growing population of elderly. This mightinvolve expanding existing capacities of daycare/eldercare facilities orensuring employability among the elderly, with a view to keeping the elderlyengaged and active members of society.

3 With no further comments from delegates, the Chairperson concluded the session at 3.30 pm.

4 The Report of the Dialogue with India will be included in the main Report of the 39th


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Doc 39GA/2018/Dia/Japan

REPORT OF THE DIALOGUE WITH JAPAN

The Dialogue session with Japan took place on 5 September 2018 at 3.50 pm. The session was chaired by Dr Intan Azura Moktar of the Parliament of Singapore, and Mr Dennis Tan of the Parliament of Singapore was the Rapporteur. The following delegates attended the session:

OBSERVER PARLIAMENT Japan a) Mr Motome Takisawab) Mr Hirotaka Ishikawa

AIPA MEMBER PARLIAMENT Brunei Darussalam a) Mr Haji Ramli Haji Lahitb) Pehin Dato Haji Hasrin Haji Sabtu

Cambodia a) Mr Muth Khieu

Indonesia a) Mr Jon Erizal

Lao PDR a) Dr Phonephet Boupha

Malaysia a) Dato’ Haji Mohd Rashid bin Hasnon

Myanmar a) Mr Naing Htoo Aungb) Mr Zar Ni Min

Philippines a) Ms Maria Lourdes R. Aggabao

Singapore a) Mr Louis Ng

Thailand a) Mrs Saowanee Suwannacheepb) Ms Orajit Singkalavanich

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Vietnam a) Mr Hoang Thanh Tung


a) Relations: AIPA Members extended their sympathies to Japan in the face of recentdisasters. They also thanked Japan for its long-standing support to the region,including tourism and humanitarian support, and exchanges of parliament officers,experts and students. AIPA Members emphasised the importance of strong bilateralrelations for regional improvement.

a) Active ageing: AIPA Members had implemented strategies to improve affordabilityof medical services for older adults and to target social integration. AIPA Memberslooked forward to greater sharing of good practices and welcomed partnerships withJapan in this area.

b) Climate change: AIPA Members were adversely impacted by climate change andaffirmed their commitment to climate action. AIPA Members looked forward to agreater exchange of expertise and experiences with Japan.

3 The meeting also made the following points:

a) Japan is an important partner of ASEAN and will continue to strengthen herrelationship with ASEAN to enhance peace, prosperity and stability in the region.

b) Japan would be open to sharing expertise and experiences in climate action andactive ageing.

c) The Japanese delegation advocated for the development of human resources, such asspecialists in active ageing and health-promoting experts.

d) The Japanese delegation proposed to advance environmental initiatives in the UnitedNations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), and facilitategreater cooperation within the Joint Crediting Mechanism (JMC) and throughinternational forums.

e) The Japanese delegation sought the support of AIPA Members for the World Expo2025 at Osaka, Japan. The Expo is an opportunity to envision an economy thatenables all people to live healthy lives and fulfil their potential, with the theme“designing future society for our lives”.


5 The Report of the Dialogue with Japan will be included in the main Report of the 39th


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Doc 39GA/2018/Dia/PRC

REPORT OF THE DIALOGUE WITH PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA

The Dialogue session with People's Republic of China took place on 5 September 2018 at 2.00 pm. The session was presided over by Mr Liang Eng Hwa of the Parliament of Singapore as the Chairperson, and Ms K Thanaletchimi of the Parliament of Singapore was the Rapporteur. The following delegates attended the session:

OBSERVER PARLIAMENT People's Republic of China a) Dr Lv Wei

AIPA MEMBER PARLIAMENT Brunei Darussalam a) Mr Ong Tiong Oh

Cambodia a) Mr Prak Cham Roeun

Indonesia a) Mr Jon Erizal

Lao PDR a) Mr Bounpone Sisoulath

Malaysia a) Mr Nga Kor Mingb) Mr Khoo Poay Tiong

Myanmar a) Mr Zaw Theinb) Mr Aung Kyi Nyunt

Philippines a) Mrs Elisa T. Kho

Singapore a) Mr Seah Kian Peng

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Thailand a) Mrs Kanjanaratt Leevirojanab) Mr Kittisak Rattanawaraha

Vietnam a) Mr Hoang Thanh Tung

2 China opened the session by conveying greetings to the ASEAN parliamentary members. They agreed that issues of climate change and active ageing are globally relevant and noted that the friendship and cooperation with ASEAN will be fruitful towards tackling these issues.

3 It emphasised that economic growth has to be balanced with ecological protection, and advocated responsible development through the adoption of renewable energy and reducing pollution. Through these actions, jobs can be created while improving the living standards of citizens.

4 A rapidly ageing population has become a prominent feature of China’s demographic change. To deal with the challenges, China will enhance social protection, increase productivity, and improve employability for seniors. It is willing to work with ASEAN member parliaments to enhance cooperation and provide more comprehensive legal frameworks to tackle issues of climate change and an ageing population, so as to drive sustainable development on a global scale.

5 The session then discussed the following issues:

a. Brunei highlighted the need to balance economic growth and ecologicalpreservation as the basis for sustainable development. It has committed toreducing its energy consumption and carbon emissions, while enhancingenvironmental protection and adopting renewable energy. It has also partnerednon-governmental organisations (NGOs) and businesses to enforce wildlife andrainforest protection, increase public outreach, and work towards the total ban ofplastic bags by 2019. Seniors are also seen as critical stakeholders in society. Assuch, the Government plans to provide an environment for seniors to participateand actively contribute back to society.

b. Indonesia hoped for continued cooperation between China and ASEAN intackling climate change, and reiterated its commitment to combating climatechange through the ratification and implementation of the Paris Agreement. Ontop of its mandatory insurance programme to support seniors after retirement,Indonesia is looking to expand social and pension schemes while improving theaffordability of Government services. It is also experimenting with adoptinginformation technology to reduce social isolation. Indonesia hoped the dialoguecould continue contributing to the acceleration of regional development, inaddition to strengthening bilateral ties and cooperation.

c. Laos expressed appreciation for the financial and technical assistance provided. Itlooked forward to learning from ASEAN and China to tackle issues such asclimate change and an ageing population.

d. Malaysia remains committed to achieving the objectives in various internationalagreements, such as the Paris Agreement. It believed that the success of the

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accord depends on the full cooperation and implementation by member countries and added that it is actively implementing measures to tackle climate change.

e. It also shared its national-level programmes to encourage successful ageing. Itadded that it was moving towards a community-based support system of care, andto encourage people to embrace the shared responsibility of safeguarding thewell-being of seniors.

f. Myanmar reiterated the good relations between China and ASEAN, and lookedforward to continued cooperation in tackling issues of climate change and anageing population.

g. The Philippines is working towards the implementation of the Paris Agreementthrough a more efficient modern economy powered by clean energy. To do this, ithas implemented tax reforms and imposed taxes on imported coal, and isproviding subsidies to encourage the adoption of renewable energy. It has alsocommitted to the long-term financing of green initiatives.

h. The Philippines provides automatic enrolment for seniors in the national healthinsurance programme. It also provides social pensions and subsidies for dailynecessities. Seniors who actively contribute to the community receive additionalbenefits and grants from the Government.

i. Singapore noted that climate change is a global responsibility that it is tackling ontwo fronts: mitigation and increasing awareness. Singapore is investing ininfrastructure to prepare for climate change, and to build a climate-resilientglobal city. It also reaffirmed its commitment in stepping up efforts to addressclimate change.

j. Ageing is Singapore’s key demographic challenge. An ageing population posessignificant challenges to the healthcare system. It noted that there is a nationalblueprint to help Singaporeans age confidently and to lead active lives

k. Thailand commended China’s efforts in tackling issues of climate change. Itexpressed appreciation for the longstanding bilateral relations and hoped forcontinued cooperation and engagement between both countries.

l. Vietnam called for a high-level inter-parliamentary platform to be set up, tooversee the implementation of international agreements and to enhanceinternational cooperation in policy-making. It also encouraged the developmentof a platform to share data and expertise on climate change. At the same time, itwelcomed cooperation and technical assistance from China and ASEAN intackling the issue of active ageing.

m. China closed by thanking all for the valuable insights. It affirmed the goodrelations between China and ASEAN member states, and hoped to strengthencooperation among countries as they tackle issues of climate change and ageingpopulation.

6 With no further comments from delegates, the Chairperson closed the session at3:50 pm.

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7 The Report of the Dialogue with People's Republic of will be included in the main Report of the 39th AIPA General Assembly.

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Doc 39GA/2018/Dia/RK

REPORT OF THE DIALOGUE WITH REPUBLIC OF KOREA

The Dialogue session with Republic of Korea took place on 5 September 2018 at 3.30 pm. The session was presided over by Mr Pritam Singh of the Parliament of Singapore as the Chairperson, and Ms Chia Yong Yong of the Parliament of Singapore was the Rapporteur. The following delegates attended the session:

OBSERVER PARLIAMENT Republic of Korea a) Mr Yang Seog Cheongb) Mr Soo Hyuck Lee

AIPA MEMBER PARLIAMENT Brunei Darussalam a) Mr Ong Tiong Oh

Cambodia a) Mr Prak Cham Roeun

Indonesia a) Mrs Endang S. Handayanib) Mrs Kartika Yudhisti

Lao PDR a) Dr Vilayvong Bouddakham

Malaysia a) Mr Akmal Nasrullah Bin Mohd Nasirb) Mrs Natrah Ismail

Myanmar a) Mr Bo Bo Oo

Philippines a) Mr Jorge T. Almonte

Singapore a) Mr Chong Kee Hiong

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Thailand a) ACM Chanat Ratana-Ubol

Vietnam a) Mr Nguyen Huu Quang


a) Active ageing: Korea and AIPA Members agreed that the ageing population hadserious social and economic implications for their respective countries and thatcooperation was imperative to effectively tackle the challenges. In particular, Bruneishared that the elderly were critical stakeholders who played important roles in thecountry’s development and thus, governments should look into legislation, policiesand research to enable this population segment to contribute more effectively tosociety. The meeting also discussed turning challenges into opportunities and thevarious initiatives implemented in the respective countries to improve long-term care,prevent social exclusion and maintain the dignity and rights of the elderly.

b) Climate Change: Korea and AIPA Members emphasised that the climate changewas a shared concern and that it was important for countries to have constructivedialogue and work closely together on policies and legislation that would bring aboutcollective change for the region. AIPA Members expressed gratitude for Korea’ssupport in the sharing of expertise, knowledge and experience in the area ofrenewable energy. Korea concluded the discussion by sharing on Korea’sgentrification project on the Changkat River, which the AIPA Secretary-General hadlauded as a good environmental project. Korea offered to share more information onthe project with AIPA Members after the Assembly.


4 The Report of the Dialogue with Republic of Korea will be included in the main Report of the 39th AIPA General Assembly.

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Doc 39GA/2018/Dia/Russia

REPORT OF THE DIALOGUE WITH RUSSIA

The Dialogue session with Russian Federation met on 5 September 2018 at 3.30 pm. The session was presided over by Mr Seah Kian Peng of the Parliament of Singapore as the Chairperson, and Mr Darryl David of the Parliament of Singapore was the Rapporteur. The following delegates attended the session:

OBSERVER PARLIAMENT Russian Federation a) Mr Stepan Zhiriakovb) Mr Aleksei Chepac) Mr Georgii Karlovd) Mr Rafail Zinurov

AIPA MEMBER PARLIAMENT Brunei Darussalam a) Ms Siti Rozaimeriyanty Haji Abdul Rahman

Indonesia a) Mr Juliari P Batubarab) Mr Abdul Kadir Karding

Lao PDR a) Mr Bounpone Sisoulathb) Mrs Vanpheng Keonakhone

Malaysia a) Mr Awang Hashimb) Mr Wong Chenc) Datin Mastura Binti Mohd Yazid

Myanmar a) Prof Than Winb) Mr Win Myint

Philippines a) Mr Robert Ace S. Barbers

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Singapore a) Mr Teo Ser Luckb) Miss Cheng Li Hui

Thailand a) Khunying Songsuda Yodmanib) ACM Chuchart Boonchai

Vietnam a) Mr Nguyen Minh Duc

2 The Russian delegation opened the session by conveying greetings to the ASEAN parliamentary members. It expressed interest in promoting and developing dialogue with ASEAN Members as part of Russia’s top foreign policy priorities, and noted that issues of climate change and active ageing were globally relevant.

3 It emphasised the importance of addressing root causes behind climate change, and fulfilling obligations to international agreements. Its approach towards reducing emissions is to improve energy efficiency and lower energy usage. At the same time, it is raising awareness of climate change in Russia and in the world.

4 The Russian delegation shared its strategies for promoting longer life expectancy and better quality of living among the elderly. For example, it encourages seniors to be physically and mentally active. Specifically, it has established a network of universities to provide free education for seniors and also provides employment opportunities through social projects.

5 The session then discussed the following issues:

a) Brunei highlighted the need to balance economic growth and ecological preservation asthe basis for sustainable development. It has committed to reducing its energyconsumption and carbon emissions, while enhancing environmental protection andadopting renewable energy. It has also partnered non-governmental organisations(NGOs) and businesses to enforce wildlife and rainforest protection, increase publicoutreach, and work towards the total ban of plastic bags by 2019.

b) People in Brunei are also motivated by family and religion to take care of seniors, whoare seen as critical stakeholders in society. The Government plans to provide anenvironment for seniors to participate and actively contribute back to society. Bruneiadded that it was eager to learn more from Russia in terms of employment and theprovision of free education for seniors.

c) Indonesia hoped for continued cooperation between Russia and ASEAN in tacklingclimate change, and reiterated its commitment to combating climate change through theratification and implementation of the Paris Agreement. Indonesia also pushed for theMOU on disaster management to be signed at the upcoming ASEAN-Russia Summit.

d) Indonesia acknowledged Russia’s efforts in increasing life expectancy for seniors andpromoting active ageing. On top of its mandatory insurance programme to supportseniors after retirement, Indonesia is looking to expand social and pension schemes whileimproving the affordability of Government services. It is also experimenting withadopting information technology to reduce social isolation. Indonesia hoped the dialogue

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could continue contributing to the acceleration of regional development, in addition to strengthening bilateral ties and cooperation.

e) Laos affirmed Russia’s assistance and support in various aspects, and looked forward tofurther cooperation between Russia and ASEAN to tackle climate change and an ageingpopulation. It also expressed appreciation to Russia for its comprehensive cooperationand delivery of support for Laos’ socio-economic development.

f) Malaysia affirmed the friendly relationship and long-standing bilateral ties with Russia.It also looked forward to cooperating with Russia and ASEAN to tackle climate changeand an ageing population.

g) Myanmar expressed that climate change is a problem for Myanmar as it continues todevelop rapidly, resulting in damage to the environment. It is currently moving towardsthe use of clean energy and to further regulate the extraction of natural resources.

h) There is a culture of extended familial support for seniors in Myanmar. The Governmentpartners with NGOs and religious organisations to provide day-care services and medicalcare for seniors.

i) The Philippines is working towards the implementation of the Paris Agreement through amore efficient modern economy powered by clean energy. To do this, it has implementedtax reforms and imposed taxes on imported coal, and is providing subsidies to encouragethe adoption of renewable energy. It has also committed to the long-term financing ofgreen initiatives.

j) The Philippines provides automatic enrolment for seniors in the national health insuranceprogramme. It also provides social pensions and subsidies for daily necessities. Seniorswho actively contribute to the community receive additional benefits and grants from theGovernment.

k) To tackle climate change, Singapore has implemented a carbon tax, while improvingaccessibility and public awareness of recycling initiatives. Singapore is alsoexperimenting with co-locating eldercare and childcare facilities. This promotesintergenerational bonding and encourages seniors to age gracefully and with dignity.

l) Thailand commended Russia’s efforts in tackling issues of climate change and providingemployment opportunities for seniors. It expressed appreciation for the longstandingbilateral relations and hoped for continued cooperation and engagement between bothcountries.

m) Vietnam called for a high-level inter-parliamentary platform to be set up, to oversee theimplementation of international agreements and to enhance international cooperation inpolicy-making. It also encouraged the development of a platform to share data andexpertise on climate change. At the same time, it welcomed cooperation and technicalassistance from Russia and ASEAN in tackling the issue of active ageing.

n) Russia closed by sharing the Active Ageing Index in Europe as a useful tool to identifythe strengths and weaknesses in efforts to promote active ageing.

6 With no further comments from delegates, the Chairperson concluded the session at 5:05pm.

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7 The Report of the Dialogue with Russian Federation will be included in the main Report of the 39th AIPA General Assembly.

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Doc 39GA/2018/Dia/TL

REPORT OF THE DIALOGUE WITH TIMOR LESTE

The Dialogue session with Timor Leste took place on 5 September 2018 at 3.40 pm. The session was presided over by Mr Sitoh Yih Pin of the Parliament of Singapore as the Chairperson, and Mr Saktiandi Supaat of the Parliament of Singapore was the Rapporteur. The following delegates attended the session:

OBSERVER PARLIAMENT Timor Leste a) Ms Maria Angelina Lopes Sarmento

AIPA MEMBER PARLIAMENT Brunei Darussalam a) Mr Pg Haji Ali Pengiran Maon

Cambodia a) Mrs Khoun Khun Dy

Indonesia a) Mrs Amelia Anggraini

Lao PDR a) Mr Amphay Chitmanonhb) Mrs Thatsadaphone Sengsouliya

Malaysia a) Mr Muslimin Bin Yahayab) Mr Ahmad Bin Hassan

Myanmar a) Ms Htoot May

Philippines a) Dr Elisa T. Kho

Singapore a) Mr Gan Thiam Poh

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Thailand a) Adm Saksith Cherdboonmuangb) Assoc Prof Sarana Boonbaichaiyapruck

Vietnam a) Mrs Dinh Thi Phuong Lan


a) Active ageing:i. Ageing population is a key and growing concern for many countries. The

challenges of an ageing population include the rising demand for healthcareand an ageing labour force.

ii. All countries shared that they had introduced policies to promote activeageing, such as increasing the retirement age and providing subsidies fordaily necessities for the elderly e.g. healthcare, transport, groceries.

b) Climate change:i. All countries agreed that the issue with climate change needed to be taken

seriously and that global action was required, as they had experienced first-hand the impact of climate change.

ii. Countries agreed that there is a need to strike a balance between economicgrowth and environmental protection to achieve sustainable development.

iii. All countries have ratified the Kyoto Protocol and Paris Agreement under theUnited Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) andremain committed to working towards reducing carbon emissions andgreenhouse gases. Policies and action plans have been introduces toimplement tax on carbon emissions and promote the use of renewable energyresources.

c) Timor-Leste’s application to join ASEAN:i. The point was made that Timor-Leste had been an observer country for more

than 15 years and have had applied to become a full member in 2011. Thecountry has made efforts to respond to the requirements and frameworksrequired to be part of ASEAN.

ii. It was also shared that countries had expressed their support for Timor-Leste’s application and seek to iron out bilateral opportunities in trade andinvestments and other areas.


4 The Report of the Dialogue with Timor Leste will be included in the main Report of the 39th AIPA General Assembly.

ANNEX S

JOINT COMMUNIQUE

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(Doc 39GA/2018/JC)

JOINT COMMUNIQUÈ OF THE THIRTY NINTH (39TH) GENERAL ASSEMBLY

OF THE ASEAN INTER-PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY (AIPA)

I INTRODUCTION

1 Pursuant to the decision of the 38th General Assembly of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary

Assembly (AIPA) held in Manila, the Philippines, on 14 – 20 September 2017, and in

accordance with the Statutes of AIPA, the 39th General Assembly was held in Singapore from 3

– 7 September 2018.

2 Mr Tan Chuan-Jin, President of AIPA and the Speaker of the Parliament of Singapore

presided over the 39th General Assembly of AIPA.

3 The 40th General Assembly will be held in Bangkok, Thailand in August 2019.

II WELCOME SPEECH


Parliament of Singapore noted that even as ASEAN commemorated its 51st anniversary this

year, it has become more necessary for the grouping to ensure it remained adaptable and nimble.

He commended ASEAN for having taken active steps to ensure that the grouping thrived,

including establishing the ASEAN Community in 2015. Thus, he said the theme of “Resilience

and Innovation” selected to mark Singapore’s Chairmanship of ASEAN this year would build

upon community-building efforts to-date.

5 Mr Tan noted that, in a similar vein, AIPA as a body had evolved to become more

effective and inclusive: it has changed its name from the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary

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Organisation (AIPO), to the current AIPA; it has expanded to embrace the Parliaments of all 10

ASEAN Member States; it now engages with 12 Observer Parliaments from around the world at

its General Assemblies; and it has set up mechanisms like the AIPA Caucus to work towards

developing common legislative initiatives to harmonise the laws of ASEAN Member States.

6 Hence, he believed that amidst the changes, AIPA continued to be an important platform

to promote regional cooperation and understanding. He reaffirmed predecessors’ hopes that

AIPA would continue to contribute to the building of mutual understanding, trust and

confidence amongst its Member Parliaments.

7 Reminding delegates that AIPA parliamentarians played a unique role as interlocutors

between ASEAN the organisation and ASEAN the people, Mr Tan said, as representatives of

our respective citizens, AIPA parliamentarians were in a unique position to raise awareness of

what ASEAN does, to communicate the benefits of the ASEAN Community to the man on the

street and to give voice to the real-life issues that affect our citizens. He urged AIPA

parliamentarians to focus on creating a more resilient, more innovative ASEAN that can best

serve the people of this region for generations to come.

III OPENING ADDRESS



have met regularly and have developed a high level of mutual understanding and respect,

resulting in broader cooperation between ASEAN Member States. He was glad that intra- and

inter-regional trade had allowed ASEAN economies to grow collectively and steadily, and

marveled at how greater connectivity had fostered closer people-to-people ties among ASEAN

citizens.

9 Mr Teo, however, sounded a warning that ASEAN’s continued centrality should not be

taken for granted as the geopolitical landscape could shift rapidly and suddenly. As ASEAN

navigates the present volatile times, Mr Teo said it was timely for the region’s parliamentarians

to consider what AIPA’s role could be in supporting ASEAN’s continued centrality. He

suggested 4 C’s that AIPA could focus on.

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10 First, a more Cohesive ASEAN. Mr Teo was of the view that AIPA was an important

platform for the region’s parliamentarians to come together and to identify and discuss matters

of common concern. Through the regular meetings, he said AIPA played a crucial role in

fostering greater cohesion and regional cooperation, and believed that the strong parliamentary

ties built would strengthen ASEAN’s resilience against emerging security challenges at all

levels. He thus urged all AIPA parliamentarians to continue providing mutual cooperation and

support to one another to strengthen the collective efforts.

11 Second, a more Connected ASEAN. He said as representatives of the people, AIPA

parliamentarians had a key role to play in helping citizens better understand the importance of a

more inter-connected ASEAN and the need to pursue free and open markets. In particular, when

faced with the current situation where some countries were rejecting the open and rules-based

multilateral trading system, Mr Teo said ASEAN must avoid the temptation to regress, look

inward and implement protectionist policies in their respective countries that will set the whole

region back. He believed that AIPA parliamentarians could play a crucial role in the efforts on

this front.

12 Third, a more Creative ASEAN. Mr Teo said AIPA parliamentarians were well-placed to

encourage a mind-set of creativity and innovation among the ASEAN populations. He pointed

out that the digital revolution was driving rapid changes in economic, social and even political

interactions. He thus urged AIPA parliamentarians to help ASEAN and its people to ride this

wave to greater benefit.

13 Fourth, a more Climate-Resilient ASEAN. Mr Teo was sure AIPA parliamentarians

played a critical role in the collective push for a low-carbon and climate-resilient ASEAN by

encouraging the promotion of sustainable growth and ecosystems in their own countries.


were vital against the current backdrop of uncertainty. He said parliaments represented the

people, made the laws of the land, and helped to explain the challenges of the world to our

people and how they must respond collectively. He believed that it would only be through

combined efforts that ASEAN could continue to be a cornerstone for peace and prosperity in the

world.

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IV DELEGATIONS









Speaker of the Union Parliament; the Philippines was led by Ms Rose Marie J. Arenas, Deputy

Speaker of the House of Representatives; Singapore was led by Mr Charles Chong, Deputy

Speaker of Parliament; Thailand was led by Prof Pornpetch Wichitcholchai, President of the

National Assembly and Vietnam was led by General Do Ba Ty, Vice President of the National

Assembly.


Senate; Belarus was led by Mr Dmitry Shevtsov; Canada was led by Mr Terrence Sheehan; the

European Parliament was led by Mr Werner Langen; India was led by Mr Kirti Vardhan

Singh; Japan was led by Mr Motome Takisawa; the People’s Republic of China was led by

Ms Wei Lv; the Republic of Korea was led by Mr Lee Soo Hyuck; Russia was led by Mr

Stepan Zhiriakov and Timor Leste was led by Ms Maria Angelina Lopes Sarmento, Vice

President of Parliament.


General.

19 For the Guests of the Host, the ASEAN Secretariat was led by Dato Lim Jock Hoi,

ASEAN Secretary-General; Morocco was led by Mr Abdelaaziz Omari, Vice President of the


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V VICE-PRESIDENTS OF 39TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY


of Delegations of the AIPA Member Parliaments as Vice-Presidents of the 39th General

Assembly of AIPA.

VI STATEMENTS BY LEADERS OF DELEGATIONS OF AIPA MEMBER

PARLIAMENTS

21 The Leaders of Delegations of the AIPA Member Parliaments delivered their respective

statements at the First Plenary session of the 39th General Assembly.

Brunei Darussalam

22 Pehin Dato Abdul Rahman bin Mohamed Taib, Speaker of Legislative Council of Brunei

Darussalam, said the theme of 39th General Assembly of AIPA demonstrated that the region’s

commitment and continued support towards the ASEAN agenda remained ceaseless. He said

this was evident in the issues, such as promoting economic development, improving people's

welfare and security challenges, and tackling technological advances that were scheduled to be

deliberated in the Committees of WAIPA and Political, Economic and Social Matters by AIPA

at this Assembly. He stressed, however, that it was essential for decisions to be made with

mutual respect and in compliance with AIPA statutes and in alignment with ASEAN pillars.

Pehin Dato Abdul Rahman bin Mohamed Taib pledged Brunei Darussalam’s continued support

to AIPA's aspirations to achieve peace and security of the people in the region, and to learn from

the best practices of fellow AIPA Members. For instance, he noted that regional parliamentary

workshops, forums and meetings were conducted by AIPA to review and harmonise laws

wherever possible and necessary. An example is the Regional Parliamentary Workshop on

Strengthening Legal Frameworks to Protect Children from Sexual Exploitation in Travel and

Tourism held recently in Bali. He also highlighted the work of the AIPA Advisory Council on

Dangerous Drugs which highlighted that as the legislative body in their respective countries,

AIPA Parliaments had to be meticulous to address illicit drug activities and work in alignment

with the ASEAN Work Plan on Securing Communities against Illicit Drugs 2016-2025.

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23 In closing, Pehin Dato Abdul Rahman bin Mohamed Taib said AIPA was a perfect

platform to learn and study experiences of other countries, as well as to exchange political,

economic and social integration ideas.

Cambodia

24 Mr Tep Ngorn of the National Assembly of Cambodia made reference to the theme

"Towards a Resilient and Innovative Community". He said it was crucial and closely linked to

the current regional and global context that had been changing rapidly in political, socio-

economic, security dimensions and in terms of advances in technology.

25 He was of the view that to realise the goal of being resilient and innovative, ASEAN as a

regional grouping would need to stand firm against protectionist trends by further promoting

trade liberalisation and accelerating negotiations to conclude the Regional Comprehensive

Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the Free Trade Agreement with the European Union. He

stressed, however, that this must be done based on the fundamental principles of mutual respect

for independence, sovereignty, equality and non-interference, through regular consultations,

deepening dialogues and promoting the principle of consensus-based decision-making.

26 Mr Tep Ngorn suggested that AIPA could play a role in the process by urging ASEAN

Member States to improve skills development of its people, promote investment in physical

infrastructure especially in transportation and telecommunications, support Research and

Development efforts, and create a conducive environment for Foreign Direct Investments. At the

same time, he said, AIPA would need to further promote cultural and people-to-people

exchanges especially amongst our youths and encourage the implementation of the ASEAN

Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response, and ASEAN's Statement on One

ASEAN, One Response: ASEAN Responding to Disasters as One in the Region and Outside the

Region.

27 Mr Tep Ngorn added that the other role AIPA Member Parliaments could play was to

foster the consistency of important legislation and national policies in relation to environment,

culture, women, children, drugs, socio-economic, politics and security as well as in the

prevention of cyber-crimes.

28 He concluded by emphasising that Cambodia remained committed to firmly respecting

constitutional powers, the principles of liberal democracy, pluralism, respect for human rights

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and the rule of law. To this end, he said Cambodia would strive to maintain peace in order to

contribute to the development and stability in the region. He also pledged that the new

Parliament, elected in the recent July 2018 general elections, and the new Government of the

Kingdom of Cambodia would continue to cooperate with countries in the region and the world

to achieve common interests on the basis of equality, rights, respect for sovereignty and non-

interference.

Indonesia

29 Mr Bambang Soesatyo, Speaker of the People’s Representative Council of Indonesia,

emphasized the role of AIPA in pursuing a resilient and innovative ASEAN, and to realise the

ASEAN Vision 2025 through the constitutional mandate of legislation, budget, and oversight.

For ASEAN to be a resilient community, ASEAN must be able to cope with turbulence at the

regional and global levels.

30 Mr Soesatyo touched on the recent humanitarian situation in the region. Following recent

earthquakes in Lombok and its surrounding areas, Indonesia acknowledged the considerable

attention shown by neighbouring ASEAN countries. Indonesia was committed to improving its

capacity in disaster risk reduction, mitigation, and preparedness, and would continue to support

investment and capacity building in these aspects at the national, regional, and global levels. Mr

Soesatyo also expressed Indonesia’s concern on the persisting humanitarian crisis in Myanmar

that required collective action, and called for a viable and long term solution to address the root

causes of the conflict and to bring peace, stability, the rule of law, and to promote harmony and

reconciliation among the various communities, as well as to ensure sustainable and equitable

development across the region.

31 Furthermore, Mr Soesatyo said ASEAN’s economy must be resilient amidst a surge of

trade tension and protectionism. Pointing out that financial market volatility, growing risks of

trade disputes, and fast growing digital technologies present challenges, Indonesia highlighted

the need to pursue expanded cooperation, such as through the Regional Comprehensive

Economic Partnership. In terms of achieving a vision of an innovative community, AIPA

Member Parliaments could contribute through legislation, budgeting, and oversight support in

the development of infrastructure and connectivity between regions, particularly under the

umbrella of the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity 2025.

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32 Mr Soesatyo added that efforts had to be made to elevate the institutional capacity of

AIPA, particularly in terms of decision making. Although the principle of consensus played a

significant role in ensuring stability in the region, Mr Soesatyo expected that AIPA would be

able to come up with alternatives in its decision making systems to keep up with regional

dynamics.

Lao People’s Democratic Republic

33 Mrs Pany Yathotou, President of the National Assembly of Lao PDR, started her

statement by expressing thanks and sincere gratitude to the Government and the people of

Singapore as well as the ASEAN family, ASEAN’s dialogue partners, and regional and

international organisations for the sympathy and humanitarian assistance extended to the people

and Government of the Lao PDR, particularly to those affected by the collapse of the saddle dam

of the Xe Pien-Xe Namnoy hydropower project in Sanamxay district, Attapeu province in Lao

PDR on 23 July 2018. She was heartened by what she saw as a clear demonstration of a genuine

spirit of caring, solidarity and encouragement.

34 Mrs Yathotou said the Lao National Assembly supported the theme of the 39th General

Assembly of AIPA, “Towards a Resilient and Innovative Community”, which was supportive to

the realisation of the ASEAN Leaders’ Vision for a Resilient and Innovative ASEAN with a

view to building an ASEAN Community that would serve as an important driving force for the

implementation of various action plans as well as ASEAN Vision 2025. Mrs Yathotou believed

the ASEAN Community could only become truly resilient and innovative when all ASEAN

Member States became resilient and innovative. Thus, she said it was essential and necessary for

ASEAN to intensify its cooperation in helping one another.

35 Mrs Yathotou also stressed that Lao PDR attached great importance to the development

of science, technology and innovation by adopting the National Strategic Plan on Science and

Technology Development for the period 2013-2020 and Vision 2030 in response to the national

development needs for industrialisation and modernization of the nation. She was sure these

would contribute to Lao PDR’s continued national efforts to graduate from the Least Developed

Country status by the early 2020s. She explained that Lao PDR has set an ambitious goal to

achieve by 2030 the development and application of science, technology and innovation aimed

at accelerating national development.

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36 She said, going ahead, as the region moved towards a resilient and innovative

community in accordance with the ASEAN Leaders’ Vision, AIPA Member Parliaments should

further strengthen the cooperation in promoting scientific research and development, technology

and innovation; enhancing public-private-partnership; and harmonising regulatory legislation

and policies related to science and technology by encouraging governments of ASEAN Member

countries to translate Action Plan on Scientific Development into policies and regulations. She

also believed AIPA should continue to dialogue with ASEAN’s external partners, to provide

technical assistance to CLMV countries in order to narrow the development gap and promote

competitiveness and to disseminate scientific and technological innovation to people and

entrepreneurs in order for them to apply such innovation into socio-economic development and

improve the livelihood of peoples. By taking these actions, Mrs Yathotou said the region could

build a resilient community and move forward together towards a community of shared destiny

where no one would be left behind.

Malaysia

37 Dato’ Mohamad Ariff Md Yusof, Speaker of the House of Representatives of Malaysia,

noted how Malaysia had its 14th General Election in May 2018, and for the first time after 61

years saw a peaceful transition of a change of government. He said with this change of a new

government, it was crucial for the new breed of parliamentarians to continue to demonstrate a

high degree of integrity, morality and to continuously uphold the rule of law, good governance

with transparency. He stressed that all levels of the community should be treated equally and

with equity.

38 Dato’ Mohamad Ariff Md Yusof said in championing the principles of togetherness and

teamwork, the parliamentarians would have to take a more holistic approach. He said they had to

be equipped with the knowledge and understanding of grassroots needs for better economic

growth, social development and environmental protection besides focusing on political

perspectives. He felt that understanding the impact of the 4th Industrial Revolution was also

crucial in embracing the ever changing needs of the public.

39 He was aware that ASEAN aspired for positive changes in the livelihood and well-being

of its more than 635 million people through a process of deeper integration based on rules based,

people-oriented and people-centred ASEAN Community. He said the participation and

contribution of women was vital towards achieving the ASEAN Community and that women

parliamentarians as leaders could play a more interactive role to achieve this.

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40 He said in order to realise a more resilient and innovative ASEAN Community, the

application of laws, good leadership and the consideration of the ethnicities, religious, cultural

and traditional diversities should be practised. He was of the view that ASEAN

parliamentarians, being the representatives of the people should also play a more vital role by

promoting and enhancing the public awareness about ASEAN and its functions.

41 In conclusion, Dato’ Mohamad Ariff Md Yusof said ASEAN and AIPA must continue to

work hard to move forward and see through all challenges together and strive for regional peace,

security, stability and prosperity.

Myanmar

42 In his statement, Mr Tun Tun Hein, Deputy Speaker of the Union Parliament of

Myanmar, drew the attention of AIPA Members to current challenges and uncertainties,

highlighting as examples, non-traditional security threats and the threats of environmental

degradation which result in climate change, extreme weather patterns and extinction of

biodiversity. He said no country could act alone to tackle these issues and urged AIPA Member

Parliaments to be vigilant to address these challenges collectively in alignment with the goal for

a resilient ASEAN Community.

43 As for opportunities on the horizon, Mr Tun Tun Hein acknowledged that the Fourth

Industrial Revolution was transforming lives everywhere, but pointed out that developing

countries may not be able to afford the new technologies and innovations. These countries, he

said, may thus find it difficult to reap benefits and achieve sustained development from the

digital revolution.

44 Mr Tun Tun Hein also shared with AIPA Members the progress that Myanmar has made

as it worked to bring reform to its political, economic and social systems. He admitted that the

country faced difficulties in its journey but assured delegates that deep-rooted issues such as

corruption, violation of human rights and drug trafficking were being handled by the highest

level of authority. The complex issue of Rakhine State, he added, was being addressed

intensively since the inception of the government. Despite the challenges, he said Myanmar

remained convinced that for the development of the country, a democratic system must be

upheld. He wrapped up his statement by adding that Myanmar looked forward to the

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understanding and cooperation of fellow ASEAN Parliaments as it strengthened and developed

democracy in the country.

Philippines

45 In her statement, Ms Rose Marie J. Arenas, Deputy Speaker of the House of

Representatives of the Philippines, expressed her support for Singapore’s theme of a resilient

and innovative ASEAN. Beyond the re-affirmation of ASEAN principles, Ms Arenas underlined

the need to support initiatives and concrete measures that ensure the peace, stability, security

and prosperity of our region, such as enhancement of regional cooperation against terrorism,

proposal to establish an ASEAN Centre towards promoting healthy and active ageing, amongst

others.

46 At this important juncture in the life of ASEAN, Ms Rose Marie J. Arenas said AIPA

would be an indispensable forum for generating sustainable and responsive measures to further

stabilise ASEAN's development while initiating measures for long-term solutions that would

diminish our peoples' fears and ensure equitable growth in our respective economies. She was of

the view that the inclusion of more observer countries in AIPA was a clear indication of how

actively engaged the General Assembly is with the global forum.

47 In closing, she expressed confidence that AIPA Member Parliaments would work

together to strengthen our united front to show a caring and sharing ASEAN that would be

prepared to overcome the challenges, ready to capture present and future opportunities, and firm

in our faith in the region's positive prospects.

Thailand

48 Prof Pornpetch Wichitcholchai, President of the National Assembly of Thailand,

underlined the importance of the AIPA General Assembly, which provides a valuable and

significant opportunity for parliamentarians to share and exchange practices of mutual benefit

for the people. Throughout the years, engagement through parliamentary dialogue has enhanced

parliamentary friendship into a strategic partnership. Prof Wichitcholchai noted that Thailand

wished to see AIPA remain relevant and coherent by maintaining its flexible and constructive

position on new emerging threats such as terrorism, cybercrime, human trafficking, effects of

natural disasters, and other transboundary threats.

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49 Prof Wichitcholchai said the ASEAN region had witnessed unprecedented calamities

over the past few months. A prominent incident was the rescue mission of a young football team

trapped in a cave in Chiang Rai province, a dam collapse in the Attapeu province in Lao PDR,

and a series of powerful earthquakes in Lombok. These unpredictable events had taught

ASEAN major lessons on disaster response and humanitarian measures on rescue missions. In

addition, timely preparation for disaster management was crucial in coping with such

unpredictable events, making such tasks a mountain to conquer.

50 Prof Wichitcholchai said he believed that AIPA could do more on legislative

connectivity. As a legislative institution, AIPA could share information, learn the good and the

bad from our neighbours and partners regarding approaches and experiences on legislative

practices. As such, Thailand had proposed a draft resolution on the Collection and Exchange of

Information on Laws of AIPA, to encourage Member Parliaments to develop and update their

legal database and to facilitate access to laws in ASEAN to promote legal understanding, and to

strengthen and increase ASEAN’s competitiveness. Sharing common concerns and realising

differences and similarities would bring us one step closer to achieving the role of parliamentary

contributions to ASEAN integration, and to augment the realisation of the ASEAN Community.

51 Prof Wichitcholchai said Thailand wished to see AIPA enter its fourth decade of

cooperation by continuing to be a platform of parliamentary cooperation with the aim to bring

peace, stability, and prosperity to ASEAN citizens. Therefore, legislative connectivity was key

to promoting better understanding, greater competitiveness, inclusiveness, and a sense of

community.

Vietnam

52 In his statement, General Do Ba Ty, Vice President of the National Assembly of

Vietnam, shared that amidst the recent developments in the world and regional economic as well

as political situation, although ASEAN has made significance achievements in Community

building, multiple traditional and non-traditional security challenges, notably terrorism, climate

change and complex developments in the South China Sea threaten peace and stability in the

whole region. Therefore, he welcomed the theme of the 39th General Assembly of AIPA of

“Towards a Resilient and Innovative Community”, which should be promoted across all three

pillars.

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53 He applauded the 32nd ASEAN Chairman Statement that reflected ASEAN’s joint

commitment to the peaceful settlement of disputes, with full respect given to diplomatic and

legal processes, without resorting to the threat or use of force, in accordance with common

principles of international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS as well as to maintain solidarity,

unity and ASEAN centrality which are key elements of political resilience. As for economic

resilience, he said this would be enhanced with regional competitiveness, promote intra-bloc

trade and investment and deepen regional economic linkages. Socially, he said ASEAN's

resilience would do well to continue its efforts to protect ASEAN people from natural disasters,

impacts of climate change and epidemics, to facilitate human mobility, open up opportunities for

employment, education and timely assistance. As for culture, he believed that ASEAN’s

resilience meant maintaining cultural identity in diversity and respect for differences.

54 He also shared his view about how the building of an Innovative ASEAN Community

would be to adopt new technologies to leverage on benefits of the digital economy, develop high

quality human resources and increase access to information for the people.

55 In closing, General Do Ba Ty re-affirmed that the National Assembly of Vietnam would

continue to play an active role and engaging responsibly in international and regional affairs so

as to contribute to the formulation and reform of AIPA's working procedures, as well as

supporting ASEAN Leaders’ Vision for a Resilient and Innovative ASEAN. He called on AIPA

to (1) uphold the principles and norms of ASEAN's conduct, abide by international law,

strengthen solidarity and unity, promote trust building, and actively fulfill the commitments

within ASEAN; (2) coordinate in legal action to facilitate the implementation of ASEAN

cooperation agenda in all areas; (3) enhance the role of Parliaments in overseeing the

implementation of the ASEAN Master Plan; (4) strengthen cooperation with the AIPA

Observers; and (5) continue to reform the procedures and improve operational efficiency.

Singapore

56 Mr Charles Chong, Deputy Speaker of the Parliament of Singapore, delivered the final

statement. He commenced his speech by remembering how ASEAN had commemorated its 50th

Anniversary last year and how AIPA would be hosting its 40th General Assembly next year,

adding that the longevity of an organisation was determined by how it was able to stay nimble

and consistently adapt to changing circumstances. Thus, while much had been achieved, Mr

Chong said more work remained as ASEAN and AIPA continued to work hard to implement all

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three ASEAN Community Blueprints so as to bring about concrete benefits for the people of

ASEAN and uplift their quality of life.

57 Mr Chong observed that ASEAN Leaders had adopted a joint statement for a Resilient

and Innovative ASEAN that articulated their assessment of the changing geopolitical and

economic landscape, set out the key principles that underpinned ASEAN’s collective vision,

affirmed the Leaders commitment to build a Resilient and Innovative ASEAN for the future and

identified concrete initiatives that ASEAN would undertake to realise this vision. These

initiatives include the ASEAN Smart Cities Network and the ASEAN Leaders’ Statement on

Cybersecurity Cooperation. Mr Chong said it was to show support to these initiatives that

Singapore had proposed draft resolutions for this General Assembly related to digital

advancement and cybersecurity.

58 Mr Chong ended his statement by reminding delegates that AIPA parliamentarians were

in the unique position of being both the direct representatives of the people of ASEAN and a

conduit between these people and the governments of ASEAN. Thus, he said, AIPA played a

key role in translating ASEAN agreements into domestic action.

VII STATEMENT BY ASEAN SECRETARY-GENERAL

59 Dato Lim Jock Hoi, Secretary-General of ASEAN delivered a statement at the General

Assembly. Dato Lim said the ASEAN Secretariat had long engaged with legislators of ASEAN

Member States, who had an important role in ensuring that ASEAN was well understood and

communicated to the people, and in the realisation of the ASEAN Community. Dato Lim said the

ASEAN Secretariat was ready to work closely with AIPA on this important journey.

VIII STATEMENTS OF THE HEADS OF DELEGATION OF OBSERVER

PARLIAMENTS

60 Heads of Delegation of Observer Parliaments namely: Australia, Belarus, Canada,

People’s Republic of China, the European Parliament, India, Japan, Republic of Korea, Russian

Federation and Timor Leste presented their statements at the General Assembly.

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VIII COMMITTEE MEETINGS AND DIALOGUE PANELS

61 The Committees proceeded with their meetings to consider the agenda assigned by the

General Assembly.

Executive Committee Matters

62 The Meeting of the Executive Committee of AIPA, was chaired by Mr Tan Chuan-Jin,

President of AIPA and the Speaker of the Parliament of Singapore. Ms Tin Pei Ling was the

Rapporteur and Mr Isra Sunthornvut, AIPA Secretary-General, was the Secretary to the meeting.

The Meeting discussed the following:

Presentation of the Report of the 1st AIPA Advisory Council on Dangerous Drugs

(AIPACODD) to be adopted by the Committee on Social Matters;

Adopted the Programme of Activities, Draft Agenda Items for the 39th General

Assembly, Topic for Dialogue with the Observer Parliaments, and the Establishment and

Composition of Committees and Panels;

In considering the Date and Venue of the 40th AIPA General Assembly, the meeting

agreed to hold the 40th General Assembly of AIPA in Bangkok, Thailand, in August

2019.

Women Parliamentarians of AIPA (WAIPA)

63 The Meeting on Women Parliamentarians of AIPA (WAIPA) was chaired by Ms Sylvia

Lim and Miss Cheng Li Hui was the Rapporteur. The Meeting considered and approved two

resolutions for adoption by the General Assembly:


64 The WAIPA Meeting unanimously urged AIPA Member Parliaments and ASEAN

Member States to recognise the importance of gender equality and women entrepreneurship and

emphasised that barriers need to be removed so that women have equal access to opportunities

in education and employment, enabling them to seize economic opportunities.

65 The meeting focused on the importance of raising basic awareness and exposure of

women’s entrepreneurship for development.

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66 The meeting recommended that national chambers of commerce and industry in ASEAN

should support the expansion of market opportunities and increase business linkages within

ASEAN Member States.

67 After discussion, the Committee members agreed to adopt one additional operative

paragraph on the need to strengthen the supportive environment for socially and

environmentally responsible entrepreneurship, particularly to provide marketing support to

women entrepreneurships to ensure that the businesses they own and lead are sustainable.



68 The delegates of the WAIPA Meeting encouraged AIPA Member Parliaments to

strengthen joint efforts in harnessing new technologies to tackle inequality in all forms,

including social and economic inequality and to achieve inclusive growth in ASEAN Member

States. The meeting also acknowledged that Industrial Revolution 4.0 requires enhancement of

accessibility for more geographical areas within countries.

69 The meeting called upon ASEAN Member States to provide training for women towards

the elimination of the skills gap and digital illiteracy by enhancing public and private

collaboration, as well as maintaining efforts to increase the number of girls in Science,

Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education.

Political Matters

70 The Committee on Political Matters was presided over by Dr Teo Ho Pin as Chairperson,

while Ms Rahayu Mahzam was the Rapporteur. The Committee met and discussed at length

various issues related to the seven draft resolutions, viz.



c) Strengthening ASEAN Resilience against Terrorism and other Emerging Security

Challenges



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g) Formalizing the Support by (1) the Committee of Permanent Representatives (CPR) To ASEAN and (2) ASEAN Ambassadors to ASEAN Member States to ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA)

71 No resolution was adopted.

Economic Matters

72 The Committee on Economic Matters was chaired by Mr Liang Eng Hwa and Mr Chong

Kee Hiong was the Rapporteur. The Committee considered and approved all five resolutions for

adoption by the General Assembly:

a) Resolution on Strengthening Cooperation to Promote Cross-Border Data Flows in

ASEAN

73 The Committee agreed on the strengthening of cooperation to promote cross-border data

flows and acknowledged that there exists a need among ASEAN Member States to work

collectively on related cybersecurity issues and capacity building initiatives. The Committee

unanimously agreed that AIPA Member Parliaments should encourage their governments to

review and consider harmonising policies on data protection so as to balance the rights of

individuals and businesses in the ASEAN region.

74 On a proposal to work towards harmonizing the laws and regulations among ASEAN, it

was acknowledged that it might be challenging to harmonize legal frameworks and proposed to

acknowledge this point.


75 The Committee stressed the important role of the digital economy in changing the pace

of global trade, driving economic growth, promoting innovative development and increasing

economic participation in ASEAN. In furtherance of this, the Committee agreed on the need to

promote innovation and e-commerce in ASEAN through the development of ICT infrastructure,

improving Internet speed and coverage, and ensuring reliability so as to attract investment and



76 The Committee recalled and fully endorsed the vision of the ASEAN Economic

Committee 2025 in creating a deeply integrated and highly cohesive ASEAN economy that

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would support sustained high economic growth and resilience. In similar vein, the Committee

also discussed the importance of deepening regional economic integration in ASEAN and

reaffirmed their commitment to highly integrated and cohesive economies achieving free and

open markets in ASEAN. It was hoped that this would result in job creation and the

improvement of living standards.


77 The Committee unanimously agreed to the draft resolution on Good Regulatory Practices

(GRPs) to support integration in ASEAN. The Committee agreed to recognize the six GRP Core

Principles which were identified as relevant areas of focus, given the current development of

GRPs in both the ASEAN region and globally. The Committee agreed that GRP would seek to

improve ASEAN’s competitiveness and enhance engagement with the stakeholders. The

Committee agreed to periodically review GRPs with the view of improving the existing

regulation on GRP and enhancing engagement of stakeholders in the implementation of GRP


Between Economic Powerhouses

78 The Committee recalled the ASEAN Charter which called for an adherence to

multilateral trade rules and a rules-based regime for implementation of economic commitments

and the reduction of all barriers to regional economic integration. The Committee unanimously

agreed to enhance ASEAN’s commitment to address the impact of global trade tension. The

Committee agreed that an open and transparent trading system would contribute to inclusive

global growth and sustainable development. The Committee further stressed on the need for

global economic powerhouses to restrain and refrain from exercising unilateral measures and

highlighted on the importance to promote shared growth and prosperity for the people in the

region.

Social Matters

79 The Committee on Social Matters was presided over by Dr Lim Wee Kiak as

Chairperson and Mr Henry Kwek as Rapporteur. The Committee discussed and approved one

report and four resolutions for adoption by the General Assembly:

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a) Report of the 1st AIPACODD Meeting and the Resolutions on Securing a Drug-

Free ASEAN Community for Future Generations and The Terms of Reference for

AIPACODD

80 The Committee considered the report and the two resolutions that had arisen from the 1st

AIPACODD Meeting held in Singapore from 18-21 June 2018, and unanimously approved the

report and two resolutions, entitled “Securing a Drug-Free ASEAN Community for Future

Generations” and “The Terms of Reference for AIPACODD”.

b) Resolution on Promoting Digital Literacy and Combating Fake News

81 The Committee considered the resolution and reiterated concerns on fake news

misleading the people of ASEAN, and that Information and Communications Technologies

(ICTs), along with its benefits, may also be misused for purposes that are inconsistent with the

objectives of maintaining international peace and security. Multiple additions were made to the

resolution which urged for greater freedom in universal access to information and

communication technology, called for stronger collaboration between ASEAN governments and

the private sector to bridge the digital gap, and to consider comprehensive measures towards

combating fake news.

c) Resolution on Support for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs)

82 The Committee unanimously agreed to the resolution. Context was given by the

Committee as to the drafting of the resolution. Three new clauses were considered to reaffirm

the wellbeing of PWDs, suggested a more comprehensive training programme and school-to-

work transition for PWDs, the enhancement of policies on removing barriers, and improving

access and strengthening of social services and programmes for PWDs.

d) Resolution on Environmental Sustainability and Sustainable Urban Ecosystems

83 The Committee unanimously agreed to adopt the resolution. The Committee included an

additional clause to reaffirm two previous Declarations - the ASEAN post-2015 Environmental

Sustainability and Climate Change Agenda and the 2007 Declaration on Environmental

Sustainability. An additional clause was also included to recommend ASEAN Member States to

consider various areas of policy reform towards competitive, sustainable and inclusive

metropolitan areas.

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Organisational Matters

84 The Committee on Organisational Matters was chaired by Mr Lim Biow Chuan, and Mr

Darryl David was the Rapporteur. The Committee discussed 19 draft resolutions and approved

14 resolutions for adoption by the General Assembly:

a) Resolution on AIPA Secretariat's Annual Report FY2017-2018

85 The resolution on the AIPA Secretariat's Annual Report FY2017-2018 was adopted by

delegates. The Committee also discussed and exchanged their views pertinent to overseas trips

taken by the AIPA Secretary-General that are not related to AIPA’s programmes. The

Committee agreed that trips not related to AIPA should be approved by the AIPA President, and

a trip report should be submitted after each trip. The Secretary-General noted the Committee’s

views on spending within the approved budget.

b) Resolution on Continuation of the Joint Programme between AIPA and the

Government of the Federal Republic of Germany through Deusche Gesellschaft

Fuer Internationale Zussamenarbeit (GIZ)

86 The Committee unanimously adopted the draft resolution on Continuation of the Joint

Programme between AIPA and the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany through

Deusche Gesellschaft Fuer Internationale Zussamenarbeit (GIZ).

c) Resolution on Expanding the Scope of Cooperation between Freeland Foundation

and the AIPA Secretariat

87 The Committee unanimously adopted the resolution on Expanding the Scope of


d) Resolution on the Financial Reports of the AIPA Secretariat

88 The resolution on the Financial Reports of the AIPA Secretariat was adopted by

delegates with minor edits. It included an amendment by Singapore to task the AIPA Secretariat

to have the AIPA Special Fund reflected separately in the statement of income and expenditure.


August 2018 to 31 July 2019; (2) Supplementary Estimates from 1 August 2019 to

30 September 2019; and (3) Special Fund

89 The Committee agreed to the resolution with some minor amendments. It included an

amendment to task the AIPA Secretariat to propose performance measurements for the AIPA

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Secretary-General’s performance bonus and gratuity for the next Committee on Organisational

Matters to consider, with the view of ensuring good financial planning and prudence.

f) Resolution on Submission of the Draft Resolution of AIPA Member Parliaments

with its Explanatory Note

90 The Committee exchanged views on the appropriate time for draft resolutions to be

submitted in advance and emergency items that could be tabled by each country. The Committee

agreed that six weeks prior to the General Assembly was adequate, and each AIPA Member

Parliament could only propose one emergency item to be decided by the Executive Committee

and the item must be submitted at least 72 hours before the Executive Committee meeting where

only one emergency item could be submitted to the General Assembly. The AIPA Secretariat is

also responsible to remind the AIPA Member Parliaments at least 8 weeks in advance of the

General Assembly to submit their draft resolution. The Committee agreed to the resolution with

these amendments.

g) Resolution on AIPA Distinguished Service Award to Dr Nurhayati Ali Assegaf

h) Resolution on AIPA Distinguished Service Award to Mr Anusart Suwanmongkol

91 The Committee unanimously adopted the resolutions on the AIPA Distinguished Service


i) (i) Draft Resolution on Guidelines of AIPA Engagement with Guests, Observers

and Dialogue Partners; (ii) Draft Resolution on Accrediting the Parliament of the

Kingdom of Norway as Observer of AIPA; (iii) Draft Resolution on Accrediting

the Parliament of the National Assembly of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan as

Observer of AIPA; (iv) Draft Resolution on Accrediting the Parliament of the

Republic of Georgia as Observer of AIPA

92 The Committee agreed for these draft resolutions to be deferred to an Ad-Hoc Working

Group comprising of nominees from each AIPA Member Parliament which may also include

senior officials from each AIPA National Secretariat. The Committee proposed for the Chairman

of the Ad-Hoc Working Group to be appointed by the President of AIPA and for the funding

associated to any meeting of this Ad-Hoc Working Group to come from the AIPA Special Fund

or GIZ. Details and composition of this Ad-Hoc Working Group will be proposed by the AIPA

Secretariat to the President of AIPA.

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j) Resolution on Development of New Organizational Design and Human Capacity

Development Plan for AIPA Secretariat

93 The Committee unanimously adopted the resolution on the Development of New

Organizational Design and Human Capacity Development Plan for AIPA Secretariat, noting that

all expenses will be funded by GIZ.

k) Resolution on Legal Status of the AIPA House

94 The AIPA Secretary-General explained the background of the situation. He shared that

the AIPA House was bought in 2014, and when he assumed the post of Secretary-General in

2016, he noted that the House still remained under the original seller’s name, and not the AIPA

Secretariat. Potential problems could arise if the legal status of the AIPA House is not resolved.

95 Hence, based on the report prepared by the lawyer hired by the AIPA Secretariat, an

estimate of USD 45,000 needs to be spent in order to arrange for a legal transfer of name from

the seller to AIPA Secretariat, in addition to USD 6,000 in fees for the lawyer, which has been

incurred to date.

96 The Committee agreed by consensus to adopt the resolution, and to incur a sum not

exceeding USD 55,000 from the reserves to resolve the legal issues

l) Draft Resolution on Amendment to the Statutes of AIPA

97 The Committee agreed by consensus to defer discussion on this draft resolution to the

next General Assembly when Thailand hosts the meeting. Indonesia agreed to resubmit the draft

resolution at the conclusion of this General Assembly.

m) Resolution on Appreciating the Services of Mr Tan Chuan-Jin as President of

AIPA

98 The Committee unanimously agreed to the resolution on Appreciating the Services of Mr

Tan Chuan-Jin as President of AIPA.

n) Resolution on Date and Venue of the 40th General Assembly

99 Thailand informed that the 40th General Assembly will be held in August 2019 in


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o) Resolution on Development of Web-Based and Online Database Resolutions

Adopted by AIPA

100 To the Committee’s query on whether the proposed monitoring function of the online

database duplicated the existing function of the AIPA Caucus to monitor the implementation of

resolutions, the AIPA Secretary-General clarified that as the online platform is intended to

facilitate easy access and quick reference of resolutions, it would not overlap with the current

scope of AIPA Caucus. He also confirmed that the online database will have a search function.

The Committee agreed by consensus to adopt the resolution.

p) Resolution on Appreciating Years of Service of Ms Ria Rumata Aritonang to AIPA

and AIPA Secretariat

101 The AIPA Secretary-General explained that in view of Ms Ria Rumata Aritonang’s long

and excellent service, it was important for AIPA to express gratitude to her years of service. The

Committee thanked Ms Ria R Aritonang for her years of service to AIPA and agreed by

consensus to adopt the resolution.


102 The General Assembly, through its dialogue panels, conducted separate meetings with

the 10 Observer Parliaments, namely: Australia, Belarus, Canada, the People’s Republic of

China, the European Parliament, India, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Russia and Timor Leste.

The topic for the dialogue meetings was the “Exchange of Experiences on Climate Action and

Active Ageing”.

IX 40TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF AIPA

103 The General Assembly accepted the kind offer of Thailand to host the 40th General

Assembly of AIPA in Bangkok, Thailand in August 2019.

X APPRECIATION TO HOST COUNTRY

104 The Delegations attending the General Assembly expressed their sincere appreciation to

the Government and Parliament of Singapore as well as the people of Singapore for their warm

hospitality and the excellent arrangements made for the 39th General Assembly of AIPA.

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XI ASEAN SPIRIT

105 The 39th General Assembly of AIPA was held in the traditional ASEAN spirit of

friendship, brotherhood and cooperation, in accordance with the concept of “musyawarah”

(deliberation) and “muafakat” (consensus).

ANNEX T

CLOSING SPEECH BY MR TAN CHUAN-JIN

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SPEECH BY

MR TAN CHUAN-JIN, SPEAKER OF THE PARLIAMENT OF SINGAPORE

AT THE CLOSING CEREMONY ON 6 SEPTEMBER 2018

Distinguished Colleagues, Your Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen.

1,600. ASEAN holds roughly 1,600 meetings every year. That is no small sum. In an annual calendar that boasts such a wide array of meetings covering a diverse range of issues, it is easy to dismiss our AIPA meetings as but a tiny fraction of the work that ASEAN does each year. Yet we should not understate their importance. The AIPA General Assembly is a vital platform through which our parliamentarians can come together to exchange views on both commonalities and differences. At the same time, it provides us with opportunities to find new ways to collaborate for the betterment of ASEAN and its peoples. At a minimum, we will return home with a better understanding of each other’s preoccupations and perspectives. These discussions will help to shape the future of our region. This is a duty that we must not take lightly.

It is heartening, therefore, that the last few days have proven fruitful and constructive.

Against a backdrop of heightened global tensions and rising isolationism, it is more imperative than ever that ASEAN stand united. In the wake of regional and global challenges that no single country can face alone – ranging from terrorism and maritime security to climate change and disruptive technologies – collaboration between our parliaments is ever more necessary to carry the region forward.

In light of the unprecedented, rapid and transformative changes that the digital revolution

has brought to the way we produce, work, live, and interact with one another, we resolved to promote innovation and e-commerce in ASEAN. This would entail deepening cooperation to facilitate cross-border e-commerce transactions, and encouraging the development of policies to support and globalise MSMEs and individual entrepreneurs through the use of technology, amongst others. To that end, we welcomed the establishment of the ASEAN Smart Cities Network (ASCN), which would strengthen our region’s capacity to harvest opportunities associated with the digital revolution. We also agreed on the need to strengthen cooperation to promote cross-border data flows while protecting personal data, generated through the growth of e-commerce and online transactions.

We took the opportunity to review our continued efforts to create a deeply integrated and

highly cohesive ASEAN economy, one that would support sustained high economic growth and resilience. Against a backdrop of rising protectionism and unilateralism, we unanimously reaffirmed our commitment to a rules-based multilateral trading system. In the same vein, we

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examined how we could build and strengthen capacity for the implementation of good regulatory practices, that would further facilitate the integration of our economies.

In line with the above, this year’s Meeting on Women Parliamentarians of AIPA, or

WAIPA, focused on women’s role in the new economy. In particular, the WAIPA Meeting unanimously urged AIPA Member Parliaments and ASEAN Member States to recognise the importance of gender equality and women entrepreneurship, something which I believe we can all support. The WAIPA Meeting also considered the means through which we can empower our women to harness the potential of the fourth Industrial Revolution.

In the Committee on Social Matters, we shared with each other our concerns about fake

news misleading our peoples, undermining trust in our institutions, sowing hate and discord and even instigating violence. While we recognised the important role that governments play in combating fake news, we also emphasised the need for collaboration with various stakeholders in order to develop a holistic response. We also had fruitful discussions on how we can support our persons with disabilities, as well as on how to promote environmental protection, climate resilience and sustainable development.

This year, we managed to come to agreement on convening the Committee on Political

Matters and discussed a range of issues of great relevance to ASEAN, including the importance of keeping ASEAN resilient in the face of increasingly complex non-traditional and transnational security challenges; the need to strengthen the rule of law, judicial systems and legal infrastructure in ASEAN through enhancing the collection and exchange of information on laws with each other; maritime security and cooperation; and the humanitarian situation in the Rakhine State. While we ultimately did not reach a common position on the various resolutions covering the above issues, I am glad that we had this opportunity to exchange views in a candid and robust manner.

I would like to conclude by thanking each and every delegation for attending this General

Assembly, and for your active participation and meaningful contributions. Though our time together is brief, I have no doubt that the bonds we have built will endure for years to come. I very much look forward to welcoming you back to Singapore again very soon, and I hope you have enjoyed your time here.

I now have the honour to hand-over the Presidency of AIPA to my Thai colleague, His

Excellency Professor Pornpetch Wichitcholchai, President of the National Legislative Assembly of Thailand. I am confident that AIPA will continue to make great progress under your competent stewardship. I wish you every success as you take on this responsibility. Let us continue to work together to make the ASEAN of tomorrow a Resilient and Innovative Community that uplifts the lives of our peoples.

Thank You.

ANNEX U

INSTRUMENT OF TRANSFER

ANNEX V

ACCEPTANCE SPEECH BY INCOMING PRESIDENT OF AIPA

V1




ACCEPTANCE SPEECH BY

PROF PORNPETCH WICHITCHOLCHAI PRESIDENT OF THE NATIONAL LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY

AT THE CLOSING CEREMONY ON 6 SEPTEMBER 2018

Excellencies, heads of delegations, ladies and gentlemen. It is my honour and great pleasure to succeed AIPA presidency from His Excellency Mr

Tan Chuan-Jin, Speaker of the Parliament of Singapore. I do appreciate His Excellency’s effort to drive our region towards a more resilient and innovative community, and will definitely maintain momentum of this good cause in the year to come.

In order to make such continuity possible, we need a strong partnership among Southeast

Asian national parliaments. As a regional inter-parliamentary organisation, AIPA is an ideal place to consolidate any viable initiative to achieve the commonly desired goals of the region. During our presidency, the National Assembly of Thailand will work closely with the AIPA member-parliaments to nurture inter-parliamentary partnership for sustainability which also encompasses the notions of resilience and innovation.

Excellencies, heads of delegations, ladies and gentlemen. Active roles of parliamentarians are indispensable not only for the realisation of regional

sustainability in general, but also for the achievement of the rules-based, people-oriented and people-centred ASEAN Community in particular. While the overall objective of our AIPA presidency is to contribute to the fulfilment of sustainability as per the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, key results that we would like to contribute are based upon the aforesaid three aspects of the ASEAN Community Vision 2025.

First of all, the Thai Parliament will support AIPA parliamentarians to work with ASEAN

leaders and their governments on the creation of the rules-based ASEAN Community. Most prominent forum of this kind is the ASEAN Leaders’ Interface with Representatives of AIPA, a meeting that the National Assembly of Thailand has always emphasised. Despite the fact that the organisation of this event has yet to be confirmed by the Royal Thai Government, we will try our best to make it happen.

National parliament is the supreme legislative body of the country. Without primary

legislation, key ASEAN agreements cannot be implemented. In addition, through its law-making authority, national parliament is in a good position to enhance complementarity between the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the ASEAN Community Vision 2025. Parliamentarians are, therefore, the key contributors to the building of legal infrastructure which lies at the heart of institutional connectivity of ASEAN.

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Excellencies, heads of delegations, ladies and gentlemen. The Thai Parliament will also support AIPA parliamentarians to ensure that the integration

process is inclusive and benefits our peoples, so as to make ASEAN more people-oriented. We will host AIPA meetings with an attempt to nurture the so-called ‘we-feeling’ and a sense of togetherness among the peoples of Southeast Asia. This will serve as a strong foundation for people-to-people connectivity.

Parliamentarians are in the best position to forge a sense of belonging to ASEAN among

the peoples they represent. Although this will absolutely take a long time, it is important that we embed it in our discussion from now. ASEAN cannot have deeper integration if our peoples still have no idea how they relate to one another and the organisation.

Excellencies, heads of delegations, ladies and gentlemen. Last but not least, the Thai parliament will support AIPA parliamentarians to ensure that

ASEAN peoples are at the heart of ASEAN centrality. True ASEAN centrality must be defined in terms of ASEAN peoples’ needs, not the interest of policy-makers. This includes ASEAN peoples’ needs for the development of physical connectivity. Issues to be discussed at AIPA meetings during our presidency will be grounded in and led by the benefits of the peoples of ASEAN.

I do believe that if we engage all stakeholders and take a people-centred approach in our

policy-making and policy implementation, development at any level will consequently entail balance in the economic, the social as well as the environmental dimensions. With our check-and-balance role, parliamentarians have a crucial role to ensure that no one is left behind, and our national administration is in a future-oriented manner. These constitute the gist of sustainability we aim to fulfil.

Excellencies, heads of delegations, ladies and gentlemen. Before I end, please allow me to assure you that the National Assembly of Thailand will

do the utmost to strengthen inter-parliamentary partnership for sustainability. During the next one year of our presidency,

We will work side by side with our AIPA colleagues. We will work hand in hand with all stakeholders. And, we will work in heart-to-heart cooperation with everyone. I look forward to welcoming you to the Kingdom of Thailand. Thank you.