Regional platform to tackle haze among ways for ASEAN to manage differences amicably: PM Wong
PM Wong was speaking during the retreat session of the ASEAN Summit in Manila
On November 15th, Prime Minister and Finance Minister Lawrence Wong called for ASEAN to establish a regional platform aimed at coordinating and sharing information about companies responsible for fires that create transboundary haze. Singapore and Indonesia have already formed a joint taskforce, which can be expanded across the region. Wong spoke during the ASEAN Summit retreat in Manila, where leaders candidly discussed various regional issues.
In addition to transboundary haze, Wong raised concerns about tensions between Thailand and Cambodia, stemming from deadly clashes over competing claims to ancient temples. He also addressed Myanmar's ongoing civil war and humanitarian crisis since the military coup in 2021. Wong emphasized the importance of ASEAN member states managing differences amicably and upholding shared principles to preserve the group's cohesion and unity.
Singapore, which will assume the chairmanship of ASEAN next year, is committed to strengthening this cohesion.
Regarding haze, Wong attributed the situation to climate change and an atypical El Nino season, which led to a dry spell and worsened the issue this year. The fires were primarily triggered by the burning of peatlands in Indonesia's Sumatra and Kalimantan regions. Wong expressed gratitude for Indonesia's leadership in addressing the forest fires and commended the efforts of Indonesian emergency personnel and firefighters.
Singapore has enacted stricter laws against errant companies, imposing significant financial and commercial penalties to deter pollutive practices.
Wong stressed the importance of preventing a recurrence of transboundary haze pollution and shared Singapore's intention to hold companies accountable for their actions across the ASEAN region. The Prime Minister also addressed the situation involving Thailand and Cambodia, encouraging both countries to exercise restraint, avoid escalation, and resolve their differences through dialogue. He pledged Singapore's support for the ASEAN Observer Team, which oversees the ceasefire and border arrangements between the two nations.
Lastly, Wong acknowledged the desire for Myanmar to rejoin ASEAN at the political level and encouraged constructive engagement between ASEAN and Myanmar. He emphasized the need for Myanmar to demonstrate real progress in ceasing violence and facilitating meaningful dialogue among all stakeholders. Wong highlighted that both sides must work together to restore stability and foster a long-term, Myanmar-led solution in the country.
Written by urgent.news from Straits Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
