Malaysia's Prime Minister Najib Razak addresses business leaders as he keynotes the "Prosperity For All" Summit, the parallel event of the 30th Asean Leaders' Summit on Friday in suburban Pasay city, south of Manila. (AP photo)MANILA -- Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak on Friday warned that Southeast Asian countries need to ensure their economic growth is inclusive, or risk marginalized populations turning to violent extremism or even overturning political systems. Speaking at an event for entrepreneurs during the Association of South East Asian Nations (Asean) summit in Manila, Najib said the region was posting strong growth that could see Asean become the world's fourth-largest economy, but that growth needed to be equitable. "The neglected underclass of those who felt left behind by economic growth, prosperity and globalisation can overturn elections and political systems," he said. Najib said awareness of Asean needed to be better promoted among its citizens to "make it feel real, relevant and tangible".

Source: Bangkok Post April 28, 2017 06:11 UTC