Launching Malaysia-Japan partnership towards the reconstruction of Bosnia

Abstract

I am glad to address this colloquium on the subject of a Malaysia-Japan Partnership Towards the Reconstruction of Bosnia Herzegovina. The disturbing events in Bosnia Herzegovina have presented a serious challenge to policy makers in many parts of the world. In this regard this gathering provides an opportunity for those of us associated with policy-making to meet and discuss options open to us in bringing about a realistic solution to the problems faced by Bosnia Herzegovina. The Bosnia Herzegovina, although geographically distant from Malaysia, has been a country whose fate has deeply concerned Malaysians from all walks of life. We were rudely shocked at the extent of the unspeakable horrors, the maiming, injury and the physical damage to property that the events in Bosnia unleashed from 1992. With the passage of time it was clear to us that there was no palliation or restraint in the atrocities that were perpetrated against the Bosnian people. It was such a mindless and senseless action. For the Bosnian people, there was no respite of any kind as they lived in anxiety and fear of and for their lifelong friends and neighbours. The complete breakdown of law and order that prevailed for some 44 months has left a deeply scarred society. It will take a long time and much effort for the Bosnian people to put this episode behind them.