ASEAN 10 minus 1

ASEAN's dream almost came true yesterday. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) formally admitted two new members -- Myanmar and Laos -- on the eve of its annual foreign ministers' meeting in Kuala Lumpur. This brings its membership to nine. It would have been 10, had it not been for the current political turmoil in Cambodia.

It has always been ASEAN's intention -- some call it the ASEAN dream -- since its founding nearly 30 years ago, that it would eventually encompass all nations in Southeast Asia. This means all 10 countries in the region.

Until a few weeks ago, many people were sure that the ASEAN-10 would finally come to fruition this week. There had been concerns about Myanmar's entry largely because of outside objections, but the consensus in the region was that Myanmar should be admitted. Few people thought Cambodia's membership would became doubtful and eventually deferred by the existing ASEAN members.

Although yesterday's ceremony to admit the two new members did not live up to its earlier billing, it was a historic event nevertheless. The ceremony marked one further step in the evolution of a Southeast Asian community. ASEAN is still a long way from becoming one community where people live in peace, harmony and prosperity, but every inch of progress in that direction counts. There is no reason why ASEAN should not be rejoicing.

Any celebration, admittedly, would be dampened by the unfortunate and unexpected events that have unfolded in Cambodia these past two weeks.

The bloody power struggle in Cambodia has posed a dilemma for ASEAN. It has had to make a quick and tough decision about whether or not to admit Phnom Penh, now controlled by Second Prime Minister Hun Sen, into the organization. Either way, ASEAN could be accused of interfering in the internal affairs of Cambodia, a sacred ASEAN principle underpinning relations within the group and with countries outside.

Some ASEAN critics have accused the organization of applying double standards in admitting Myanmar but deferring Cambodia's membership. One could only say that pragmatism ruled in ASEAN's decision on Cambodia, but principle prevailed in its decision to admit Myanmar.

There is no longer any point in disputing the decision on Cambodia at this stage. Instead, attention and energy should now be expended in helping Cambodia resolve the turmoil.

ASEAN's offer of mediation has already been rejected by Hun Sen, but this does not mean that there is no role for the organization in the future. Hun Sen's rejection was understandable because he still has the upper hand, at least on the ground. But one could predict a deadlock situation some time in the future, and that is when ASEAN's good offices will be required. ASEAN not only has a strong stake in restoring peace in Cambodia, it also has the necessary diplomatic expertise and knowledge in helping to bring about a peaceful resolution.

With the admission of the two new ASEAN members, Cambodia has become the odd man out in the Southeast Asian community. That is all the more reason for its neighbors to help the country get back on its feet, so that the dream of a peaceful and prosperous Southeast Asian community can be realized soon.