Govt urged to oppose Myanmar's ASEAN leadership

The House of Representatives urged the government to take a clear stance in urging the Myanmar junta to implement full democracy, as well as to opposing its leadership of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) next year, unless it undertakes immediate reforms.

Meeting with two Myanmarese activists Daw San San (left) and Khin Ohmar here on Tuesday evening, three legislators from House Commission I on defense, foreign and information affairs said that Myanmar's chairmanship in the ASEAN would tarnish the image and credibility of the regional grouping.

By tradition, the chairmanship of the 10-member ASEAN is rotated by alphabetical order, and after Malaysia this year, it is Myanmar's turn next year.

"It will bring about a negative impact to our country. We could be boycotted by the United States, European Union countries and other countries that strongly opposed Myanmar's military junta," legislator Djoko Susilo told The Jakarta Post.

He said the commission would meet the foreign minister next week to further discuss the issue.

San San and Ohmar met with House Commission I leaders, in their effort to get Indonesia and other nations to oppose Myanmar's leadership of ASEAN.

San San, 73, is the secretary of Aung San Suu Kyi's Members of Parliament Union (MPU). She fled Myanmar years ago, after being convicted to life in prison for her political activities.

Ohmar, 38, meanwhile, is the coordinator of the peacebuilding and reconciliation program of the Women's League of Burma (WLB) and Policy Forum member of the Thailand-based Forum for Democracy in Burma (FDB).

"The military regime in Burma has become even more confident with ASEAN's support, they could be in power forever. I appeal to you to take a stand on Burma. You have the upper hand now, so please use it," San San told the legislators. --JP/Hera Diani