SINGAPORE - Even as Asean combats the coronavirus, it also has to prepare for the post-pandemic-normal and continue to cooperate in areas of common interest, said Speaker of Parliament Tan Chuan-Jin.
"This will ensure that Asean remains resilient and relevant in the decades to come," said Mr Tan, who spoke on day one of the 41st general assembly of the Asean Inter-Parliamentary Assembly . In his speech during the forum, which will run till Sept 10, Mr Tan noted that how Asean responds to Covid-19 will impact the regional organisation in the decades to come.
Parliamentarians have an important role to play in representing the needs of their citizens and supporting their respective countries' responses to Covid-19, he said, adding that MPs are in a strong and unique position to promote understanding and awareness of Asean.