Page 19 - BUKU STRENGTHENING THE INDONESIAN PARLIAMENTARY DIPLOMACY FADLI ZON

Palestine is part of our big family of Asia. Therefore, we need to send a strong message, the
strongest one, that Palestine deserves what all that they have long gone: their sovereignty over
their own land and their independence.

A parliamentary solidarity through a symbolic visit to Palestine, Gaza, West Bank may provide
a further message that we as parliamentarians, the representatives of the people, are signalling
our support for the independence of Palestine.

I strongly urge all of my fellow parliamentarians to do so. To have a first-hand opportunity in
Palestine so we can share their pain. Indonesia has done so, and will be happy to do so again
in another occasion.

As we speak on the need to have an Asian Parliament, we should be aware that the essential
force to support the establishment of such Parliament is a strong supporting system mechanism.

A strong secretariat is fundamental to run the organization, to provide further campaign on the
need of Asian Unity. The question now is do we need such strong secretariat in this beginning
vision of the Union?

If an Asian Union has not been established yet, what are the roles of the Asian Parliament and
further, what are the roles of such stronger secretariat? They are issues that we need to ponder
about, as this plenary will also discussed about APA Staff Regulation.

Indonesia is of the view that, while a strong supporting mechanism is inevitably needed by
the organization, such assistance can be provided first through the host country and current
APA’s secretariat. This is with the view that we can save more, instead of raising an issue of
contribution to support the provision of APA Staff Regulation.

Therefore, Indonesia deems it necessary to defer the discussion of APA Staff Regulation until
further discussion on members’ contribution is raised.

To conclude, I would like to place on record my appreciation to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan
for the warm hospitality extended to me and my delegation. I am happy to be here today. My
delegation and I look forward to fruitful deliberation during this plenary and in each of APA
meetings.

6 I Selected Speeches of the Vice Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Republic of Indonesia