A BIG CHALLENGE TO BUILD ASEAN COMMUNITY BY 2015

PUTRAJAYA, Aug 10 (Bernama) -- It would be a big challenge to build an Asean
community by 2015, Foreign Minister Anifah Aman said Monday.

To realise that, fresh momentum driven by a people-centred agenda must be
injected into Asean's process, he said.

"People-to-people linkages, social and cultural exchanges and interactions
should be encouraged.

"This is important to nurture the sense of belonging among the Asean people
in creating one identity and one community," he said in his speech at the 42nd
Asean Day flag hoisting ceremony here.

His speech was delivered by Deputy Foreign Minister Lee Chee Leong.

Later Lee launched the official website of the Asean-Malaysia National
Secretariat to promote greater awareness among and encourage greater
participation of the Asean people.

"Is also reflects the government's continued commitment to bring Asean to
the people as a source of information, knowledge-sharing and an interactive
medium," he said.
-- BERNAMA