Australia's policy in Asia

Australia has once again thumbed its nose at Southeast Asia. Its blunt refusal to accede to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation, penned almost 30 years ago in Bali by the five original members of ASEAN, is yet another reflection of the often frosty relations between Australia and the grouping.

This is not the first time Australia has trampled on Asian sentiment. One recalls its hawkish premier's stated policy of preemptive strikes on terrorist targets anywhere in the world, after scores of Australian nationals died in a terrorist attack in Bali some years ago.

One also remembers the failed attempts by some small politicians to revive apartheid in Australian politics and society. Fortunately, the larger, more rational society in Australia has rejected the further institutionalization of racism in the fabric of Australian politics.

But what is disturbing is that such racist behavior exists somewhere in the dark corners of the Australian psyche and can be invoked by political or racial madcaps to fan racial sentiments that could spark an anti-Asian frenzy among the normally decent Australians.

Of the faux pas committed by Australia over the last few years, the one that takes the cake is President George W. Bush's appointment of Prime Minister John Howard as deputy sheriff in Asia in the war against terror.

In sum, these political indiscretions signal a deep distrust of Australia's intentions toward Asia. Is Australia a friend or foe of Asia? Is it Asian or European or both? Does it want to profit from East Asia's growing wealth without recognizing that peace is an important ingredient of wealth creation?

These are questions without any reassuring answers. And without satisfactory answers, it would be fair to assume that deep-rooted suspicions will remain among Southeast Asian nations about Australia's policies toward Asia.

Unless Australia proves that it is a good neighbor, it is unlikely that Southeast Asian nations will welcome it as a regional partner. And that is definitely to its disadvantage.

REAZ ABDULLAH
Kuala Lumpur