KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 2): Indonesia is committed to help Malaysia succeed as chairman of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) this year, Bernama quoted Indonesian Ambassador to Malaysia Herman Prayitno as saying.

Herman was quoted as saying in an interview with Bernama that connectivity and good relations among Asean member countries were crucial factors to build an Asean Economic Community, which would benefit the people. Asean comprises 10 member countries with a combined population of some 625 million people.

"We will help to ensure Malaysia's success in leading Asean in 2015. We will participate actively and support the agenda drawn up by Malaysia.

"We are just waiting for Malaysia's request and we will help as much as we can," Herman said.

He said it would be easier to build the Asean economy if member nations shared good relations.

Herman expressed confidence that all member countries would abide by new rules meant to develop Asean.

According to the news report, Malaysia is taking over from Myanmar as Asean chairman at a crucial time when the establishment of the Asean Community is expected to become a reality by the end of 2015.

The Asean Community encompasses the three aspects of economic, security-political and and social-culural development.