Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said today that ASEAN has yet to get its due credit as the only regional organization that has been sustainable and with tremendous potential.

In his acceptance speech after receiving an honorary doctorate by Rangsit University in recognition of his statesmanship, Mahathir also highlighted how students are future leaders who can also help maintain relations among ASEAN countries.

Mahathir was awarded the doctorate for leadership in social, business and politics by university president Dr Arthit Ourairat during its convocation ceremony.

Mahathir noted how ASEAN countries have been able to resolve problems peacefully. “The relationship between the member countries of ASEAN has been very good because we are able to resolve problems within us in a peaceful manner, ” he said.

“So, ASEAN has remained as a very stable and peaceful region in the world and I think that we have to appreciate this fact because many regions in the world are not doing well today,” he said, adding that there were problems in North America, Europe, Middle East and many other places.

Bernama news agency reported that when asked if education could be the pillar in eradicating poverty in ASEAN especially looking at the fact there were still people from the member states who could not afford private education, he said there were still many opportunities available.

Arthit praised Mahathir for being a leader who returned from retirement to save Malaysia from being destroyed by corruption and greed, and also as someone who bravely speaks up for those countries which are unable to do so.