Countries in the Asia Pacific region should work toward a regional and global order that inhibits hegemony and curbs its excess, Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said Wednesday.

Badawi made the remarks while delivering a keynote speech in the 19th Asia Pacific Roundtable (APR) which opened in Kulua Lumpur.

There is a need to further strengthen the international order, because it is "not sufficiently robust" and "not sufficiently effective in discouraging hegemonic behavior," Badawi said.

"We therefore need to strengthen the regime of international law and international norms. Equally importantly, we must reinforce the penalties and deterrents for violations of international laws and norms," he said.

"We seek an international order that is more representative, and that better reflects the interests of the majority in the global community. We seek an international order in which all nations, small as well as large, can be equally assured of security and an equitable opportunities to prosper, " Badawi said in outlining an international order more relevant to the times.

When talking about the emerging of China as a major economy in the world, Badawi said he held the view that "China of tomorrow, no less than China of today, will be a force for peace and stability unless its integrity and vital interests are threatened. "

"If China is indeed set to emerge as one of the leading powers of tomorrow, then we can also be optimistic. We are confident that China will champion constructive change and not obstruct it ... China has repeatedly declared its opposition to hegemony and this forms a central pillar of its foreign policy," Badawi said while listing favorable factors in the security environment in Asia- Pacific regions.

Badawi also expressed his sympathy for victims of the tragic tsunami hitting the Indian Ocean last December and praised the international cooperation in the relief and reconstruction efforts, adding that Malaysia continues to be committed to this humanitarian cause.

More than 200 delegates from about 20 countries and regions attend the 3-day APR conference themed "confidence building and conflict reduction", which covers various issues on security and cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region.

Top on the agenda are the impact of tsunami on human security and international cooperation, fight against terrorism, multilateralism and narrowing the development gap in Southeast Asia.

The annual APR, launched in 1987, has evolved into one of the largest and most inclusive non-governmental conferences on security in Asia-Pacific region.

Source: Xinhua