Malaysia's call asking Asean to review its policy of non-interference in its members’ internal affairs couldn’t have at a more appropriate time.
Speaking at Asean’s 39th anniversary, Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi of Malaysia admitted that the Burmese military junta’s refusal to free political prisoners ushering in democratic reforms was causing increasing embarrassment to the regional grouping, besides hurting its credibility.
Since Asean’s new charter is expected to be drawn next year, the relevant debate should see member nations reconsider the non-interference principle. Ever since being allowed into the Asean fold in 1997, Burma’s ruling generals have made a habit of ignoring repeated calls for "tangible progress’ on democratic reforms.
Exploiting the confusion in Asean and indifference of neighbours such as India, the world’s largest democracy, and big powers, the junta has managed to get away with murder all these years. Aung San Suu Kyi, the charismatic leader of the National League for Democracy, continues to remain a prisoner in her own home for the past 15 years in spite of the fact that her alliance swept the elections held in 1990.
How long will this go on? And why is the world silent? It’s time the junta told to shape up or face consequences. Increased involvement of Asean states should serve as the first step to mount pressure on the illegitimate regime. If that should fail to work, which is likely, the international community is duty bound to adopt sterner measures.