| Azaraimy HH |
HIS Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and Inspector General of the Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF) yesterday said that the ASEAN National Police (ASEANAPOL) must form collaborations beyond the Southeast Asian region, in order to address both regional and global threats.
In a titah delivered at the official opening of the 38th ASEANAPOL Conference at the International Convention Centre (ICC), His Majesty said new threats in traditional and non-traditional crimes are a constant challenge to the police.
“This includes establishing and maintaining close cooperation with other regional police organisations such as Interpol and Europol, as well as intensifying training, consultation and the sharing of experiences in combating crime,” said His Majesty.
The opening ceremony of the 38th ASEANAPOL was also graced by His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Deputy Inspector General of the RBPF.
Earlier in the titah, the monarch noted that since 1981, the ASEANAPOL Conference has provided an annual platform for senior ASEAN national police personnel to come together in accomplishing the objective of forging stronger regional cooperation in policing.
“This gathering of regional police forces, alongside various international law enforcement agencies, is a testament to its relentless and unwavering joint efforts against crime and security threats within the region,” said His Majesty.
“Therefore, coherence should be embedded within the values of each member country to ensure that we act as one, with one voice, for the safety and security of the Southeast Asian region.
“Towards this end, ASEANAPOL plays a vital role for all ASEAN national police forces. We must continue to strengthen close collaboration in order to overcome the various challenges within the Southeast Asia region. Transitional crimes such as illicit drug trafficking, terrorism, arms smuggling, human trafficking, wildlife crime, maritime fraud, commercial crime, cybercrime, fraudulent travel documents and transnational fraud are ongoing concerns.”
His Majesty also highlighted that one of the important instruments of the ASEAN Concord II Declaration, set out in Bali 2003, was the goal of a broad and comprehensive ASEAN Security Community (ASC).
Founded on the three pillars of political and security cooperation, economic integration and socio-cultural cooperation, the ASC is central towards realising this vision of peace and prosperity for ASEAN.
“As a multi-lateral body, it is crucial for ASEANAPOL to share the responsibility in the efforts to achieve the objective of an ASEAN Security Community by 2020. Through its valuable work, ASEANAPOL can contribute to making ASEAN Security a reality and success,” urged His Majesty.
“Being the oldest law enforcement fraternity in the Southeast Asian region, ASEANAPOL continues to advance towards the noble objectives of enhancing police professionalism, forging stronger cooperation and promoting lasting friendship – not only amongst police officers of the ASEAN member countries but also its international partners – in order to keep the Southeast Asian region safe.
“Its many achievements include maintaining peace and stability within the region, the high level of solidarity and collaboration we have achieved leading to real operational results, and recognition from the international community.
“The peace and tranquility largely enjoyed in the Southeast Asia region is one result of the determined and concerted effort of ASEANAPOL since its inception,” said His Majesty.
This year, the annual conference is hosted in Brunei Darussalam by the Royal Brunei Police Force, under the theme ‘Coherent as One, Facing Challenges’, which emphasis the need for ASEANAPOL to be united as one law enforcement body. Each of the 10 ASEANAPOL member countries face multi-dimensional challenges with the rise of new crimes, technological advancements and the constant movement of people across national boundaries, in addition to the region’s diverse backgrounds and cultures.