Clearer vision is a must for ASEAN-10

Clearer vision is a must for ASEAN-10

By A.K.P. Mochtan

JAKARTA (JP): The Association of Southeast Asian Nations
(ASEAN) has pledged to accept Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar in toto
as new members. The upcoming 30th anniversary of the regional
grouping is deemed a momentous and auspicious occasion to welcome
the three into the ASEAN fold and bring total membership to 10
states. Yet the domestic situation in Myanmar and political
turmoil in Cambodia are making the timing of the entry a delicate
issue.

Considerations for when the entry should be made have been
further complicated by the actions of several international
community members, including the decision of the U.S. to impose
economic sanctions against Myanmar. For Washington, the action
may have been unavoidable due to its political ideals and
principles. The problem is not the basis or motivation of the
act, but its possible ramifications to ASEAN-led multilateral
forums in which the U.S. is a regular member.

The heart of the matter is not a choice between the carrot and
the stick. One Southeast Asia, with full and equal membership of
all Southeast Asian states, is ASEAN's very own raison d'etre,
and a prelude to a stronger, more independent and prosperous
region. Put simply, the inclusion of Cambodia and Myanmar (as
well as Laos) into ASEAN cannot be compromised.

The big challenge for ASEAN is to prove effectiveness of
"constructive engagement", the main pillar of its diplomacy
vis-a-vis these states. Can ASEAN ensure that acceptance of
Cambodia and Myanmar will forge improvements to domestic
situations in these countries, including to their troubled
political systems?

The political turmoil in Phnom Penh and the inflexibility of
the SLORC in Yangon demonstrate that nation building is
incomplete in Southeast Asia. As this process continues to
evolve, the critical thing to do is to encourage and nurture the
positive elements by setting examples, not through coercive
actions.

Because of this, ASEAN should not delay the entry of Cambodia,
Laos and Myanmar. This is not blind solidarity in the name of
presenting a united regional front. It is but the natural course
of events in Southeast Asia. Once the three are accepted as full
members, ASEAN will have a much better chance of facilitating
socialization and institutionalization of "acceptable" norms and
practices.

ASEAN does not lack finesse or ingenuity in doing this --
being persuasively effective is the very essence of preventive
diplomacy conducted the "ASEAN way".

The tough question for ASEAN is to insert "muscle" or "teeth"
into its consultative processes, especially with its own members.
The decision to accept Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar is part of
Southeast Asia's realpolitik, and is hence clear and easily
forthcoming. It is the subsequent results, namely the
improvements of the region's overall political situation, which
starts at home, that will serve as the definition of ASEAN's
success.

For this purpose, new regional mechanism and modalities may be
in order. To begin with, the new and enlarged ASEAN may consider
drafting a new vision, expanding the one envisioned by the
Founding Fathers and incorporating new conditions and
aspirations. The most important aspect of this new vision is to
set clear targets for qualitative improvements, including in
democratization process and human rights standards.

Effective implementation of this vision will depend on ASEAN's
willingness to remind and, if necessary, to correct each other.
This does not suggest that ASEAN should turn into a legalistic
entity or to become intrusive, meddling in a member's domestic
affairs. A corrective approach can be done most effectively by
establishing good examples, not only by following regional codes
of conduct but also international norms and standards.
Suggestions for improvements could also be taken up directly by
ASEAN leaders, if only through closed-door meetings.

In summation, ASEAN should institute the ASEAN-10 without any
delay and conditions. To ensure the success of its undertakings,
it is imperative that ASEAN drafts a new vision, one that truly
empowers the people. ASEAN must also refine its internal
mechanism, allowing its consultative process to include more
self-monitoring and corrective actions.

All this will mark the beginning of a new life for ASEAN. The
30th anniversary celebration is definitely the appropriate time
to set this new course into motion.

The writer is an analyst at the Center for Strategic and
International Studies (CSIS) in Jakarta.