Joining the ASEAN fold

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