A UNITED Asean can overcome all challenges, such as a slowing global economy and unfair treatment from the West, said Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

Speaking at an Asean event in Thailand, Dr Mahathir said the West would look at Asean issues and concern more seriously if members of the 10-nation bloc are united.

“If you want to be heard, you need to be strong. If we could act as a united bloc, as Asean, we can argue with any decision made by the superpowers in forums so it would be fair to us.

“We need to unite and talk in one language,” Mahathir said when asked to comment on the trade war between United States and China.

The 94-year-old leader said Asean must have a clear position on issues before facing superpower countries.

“We need to have a stand and to make a stand. If they are not good or nice to us, we must fight back,” he added.

Mahathir cited an example how the European parliament decided to ban palm oil from Malaysia, accusing the country of deforestation.

“We can act against the action. If they reduce the purchase of palm oil from us, we can also reduce importing from them.”

“We need to use all the strength that we got and identify their weaknesses,” he said.

Mahathir said Asean has yet to use its full capacity to compete with other countries.

“We have yet to fully understand the concept of digitalisation. We have not found a new way to run businesses.”

“China for instance has successfully changed its cash system to digital payment systems so fast that they are ahead of everyone.”

“China has twice the population in Asean and they are smart in utilising their big population,” he added. – November 2, 2019.