He reiterated Singapore's view that a way should be found for the meeting to be held next month, rather than in March, as current Asean chair Thailand proposed.

'With this global financial environment affecting all of the countries in Asean, we need to have the leaders and dialogue partners meet so we can exchange views and compare notes and send a clear signal that Asean is still in business,' Mr Lee said yesterday.

Explaining why he saw the postponement as a setback, he said: 'Asean cooperation is vital to all of our members.

'This cooperation has to press on regardless of political developments in the member-countries, and not be held back because of the preoccupations of individual member-countries.'

For the full story, read Saturday's edition of The Straits Times.