UN General Assembly
1962

53. The Government of the Federation of Malaya is of the firm belief that co-operation among nations can be obtained from even a small beginning. Our association with the Commonwealth of Nations is an example of close co-operation on an international, plane for the benefit of all. Our participation in the Colombo Plan is another example. But in recent times the Association of Southeast Asia, a partnership of a few countries in our region, namely Thailand, the Philippines and the Federation of Malaya, is another effort at close co-operation among free, independent nations. The aim of this Association is the solution of our economic problems and the harmonizing of our own economic and trading activities. Its further aim is a cultural and educational exchange amongst us so that our own people may lead in the future a fuller and richer life. Towards this objective the Association has already agreed, as a first step, on arrangements designed to facilitate a freer movement of people among the three countries.