Joining the ASEAN fold

Indonesian President Soeharto's visit to Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar is an important diplomatic symbol of getting the three nations into the fold of ASEAN.

There may be few problems with Cambodia's and Laos's membership, but there have been violent objections against Myanmar's because of its human rights violations.

ASEAN has remained steadfast with its constructive engagement stance. Myanmar will have to solve its internal problems amicably. By opening up the country to foreign investment and engaging with ASEAN, it is hoped there will be some change of attitude within the military junta.

To isolate Myanmar, as happened during Ne Win's era, is not productive to the international community.

-- Berita Harian, Kuala Lumpur