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The Association of Southeast Asian Nations has come a long way since its inception by founding members Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand, 40 years ago at the height of the Cold War.
Along the way, the group has incoporated an unlikely collection of monarchies, dictatorships, budding democracies and socialist regimes with Brunei,Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam joining the ranks in the '90s.
Despite the diversity of governance, culture, language and religion, the policy of keeping out of each other's internal affairs or 'the ASEAN Way' has enabled the group to stick together. Many say it has also become ASEAN's biggest handicap. "ASEAN wants to change and embrace positive aspects of democracy but it's constrained by the very way it's been defined," said Singapore-based commentator P. Ramasamy.
The flak drawn on Myanmar recently is the clearest example that critics can hold up in support of their arguments. As Ramasamy points out, "ASEAN is not capable of addressing issues which the international community wants it to."
Many will keep a close watch on ASEAN's handling of Myanmar during the 13th Annual Summit which some say is a test of the organisation's potency and resolve. Although the issue of Myanmar has dogged ASEAN for many years, it has managed to keep above the fray and stick to 'the ASEAN Way' in dealing with the socialist state. The September 2007 crackdown on protestors and monks however has made it much harder for ASEAN's teflon-coat to work.
"In the past it was always the business consideration that was uppermost" said Zaid Ibrahim, refering to the commercial links forged by Asian businesses which have helped neutralise Western sanctions on Myanmar.
Now, the president of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Caucus formed by regional lawmakers to push for reforms in Myanmar, is sure ASEAN has to take a different approach. "ASEAN is very mindful of the effect its own position may have on economic investment and regional liability" said Zaid, adding that ASEAN leaders had to seize the chance offered by the rapproachment between the junta and Aungsan Suu Kyi. "If they don't deal with Burma, they're going to be the laughing stock of the world," Zaid said.
Of a similar view is Hiro Katsumata, an analyst at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies. "The international community will be watching the summit," said Katsumata who went to say "right now, ASEAN does not look good in the eyes of the international community."
In January, ASEAN leaders said they should take primary responsibility for handling Myanmar, agreeing on "the need to preserve ASEAN's credibility... by demonstrating a capacity to manage important issues within the region." All that was before the military's crackdown in September that sparked international outrage and triggered tougher US sanctions.
Advocates of a tougher approach had hoped the ASEAN charter to be adopted at the summit in Singapore would include a mechanism to suspend or eject errant members. However, it has become clear that punitive measures aren't part of the deal.
Malaysian Foreign Minister, Syed Hamid Albar told Channel NewsAsia it would be the biggest mistake if it was thought that the Charter was drafted to discipline Myanmar. Two years ago, when Malaysia held the chairmanship of ASEAN, it had asked that Myanmar be blocked from taking chairmanship, pressing Myanmar to accelerate its democratic changes.
Today, the view is that the Myanmar issue won't inundate the 13th ASEAN Summit. Yet, there is intense global pressure, even an expectation, for ASEAN to do something to bring Mynamar into line.
ASEAN, through its current chairman, Singapore did issue some stern words on Myanmar in the aftermath of the military crackdown, a move which may not have been enough for some.
Engaging Myanmar rather than punishing it to bring about change may have been slow progress, if any, but to expect change after 40 years will be hard especially since ASEAN's policy of non-interference in the internal affairs of member states has worked on most counts. - afp/sf
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