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![image: [ Workers protest at the financial crisis in South Korea, part of a greater catastrophe in the Far East ]](/olmedia/images/_39825_korea.jpg)
But they have also expressed dissatisfaction with the International Monetary Fund's attempts to rescue their economies.
Asia's financial turmoil hijacked the meeting, which was attended by Asean's nine members as well as guests China, Japan and South Korea.
As the financial crisis deepens across the region, the Asean countries are becoming increasingly anxious.
Despite having received assistance from the IMF the region's currencies remains weak and investor confidence has not been restored.
The Asean leaders are desperate to bring an end to their economic woes, they now want the international community, particulary the United States, to make greater efforts to provide much needed assistance.
But at the same time there appears to be a growing unease with the way the IMF is helping the region.
![[ image: width=150]](/olmedia/images/_39825_mahatir150.jpg)
The Malaysian Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who hosted the meeting in Kuala Lumpur, believes some of the IMF's strategy should now be re-considered.
Dr Mahathir told business leaders at the weekend south-east Asian nations now accepted they were poor and the only solution was to carry out what he called ruthless surgery.
He acknowledged that governments and business were both to blame for having allowed financial abuse and malpractice and said the road to recovery would be long and painful.
This was the first time China has joined an Asean conference. Senior Asean officials said the leaders would explore with China the growing engagement between their economies.
Chinese officials have indicated Beijing is willing to help ensure stability and balanced development in the region.
Japan's Prime Minister, Ryutaro Hashimoto also offered continued support, providing Asean countries adhere to the International Monetary Fund's reform plan.
This demands tough austerity programmes aimed at getting the countries' economies back on track.
Asean leaders' plea for help
(15 Dec 97 | Despatches)
Koreans protest at economic crisis
(14 Dec 97 | World)
More trade is good for ASEAN
(13 Dec 97 | World)
Malaysian PM suggests self help
(13 Dec 97 | Despatches)
Asian tigers: Losing pride
(03 Dec 97 | Special Report)
How the financial crisis could affect you
(03 Dec 97 | Special Report)
Asean agrees to work together
(01 Dec 97 | Business)
INDONESIA: CURRENCY TURMOIL CONTINUES
(06 Oct 97 | Basys)
Malaysian Prime Minister's Office
ASEAN
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