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Opening up Asean



		Editorial & Opinion 

 
Opening up Asean 

WITHOUT some urgent fence-mending by leading members of the Association of
Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), the widening split between Malaysia and
its nearest neighbours threatens to undermine the strength of the
organisation. It could also create an acrimonious atmosphere for next
month's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Kuala Lumpur. 

Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad's internal problems and the increasing
verbal exchanges with Malaysia's closest neighbours are testing Asean ties
to the limit. As the Malaysian foreign minister charged yesterday that
Indonesia and the Philippines were interfering in his country's internal
affairs, it is clear the old constraints which prevented Asean members from
commenting on the problems of others have become largely redundant. 

Of the founder members in the 31-year-old organisation, only Thailand, the
first to call for greater openness and a more critical approach, remains
apart from the in- fighting. In July, Bangkok's ''flexible engagement''
proposal was rejected in the face of growing evidence that the
non-interventionist policy is no longer effective. But that has not kept
the lid on growing tensions. Instead of straight talking, there has been a
deterioration in relations which suggests that only a radical rethink of
the aims and purpose of the organisation can help to resolve its conflicts. 

If Asean had discussed the regional economic situation when Thailand moved
into crisis in the summer of last year, member states might have been able
to deal better with the ensuing turmoil. 

A willingness to enter into frank dialogue and to bring about greater
transparency can only aid progress in regional cooperation and
understanding amid the current economic challenges. 

Events in Cambodia and Burma have shown the limits of Asean's constructive
engagement'' policy. If anything, the junta's iron grip on the Burmese has
tightened now it has the respectability of membership. Meanwhile, political
in-fighting in Cambodia forced the postponement of that country's entry. 

One lesson of the past year is that East Asian countries with the more
open, democratic systems have coped best with the crisis. Asean should draw
on the lesson as far as its own internal arrangements are concerned. 

South China Morning Post 
Hong Kong