I am writing in response to the letter by Saudari Lilliane Fan on the role and involvement of Asean MuslimYouth Secretariat (Amsec).

Amsec's initiative is appreciated as per the urgent and serious concern on the humanitarian and human rights situation in Aceh. Yet, the role of Amsec should not exclusively be to facilitate a non-military, long-term solution to the conflict in Aceh.

Only the representation of civil society and non-governmental organisations and other concern parties can represent the true political aspirations of the people of Aceh. Anything short of these would only be a one-sided political resolution that might further dilute the will of the people. There must be equal representation of all parties in Amsec's call for solution to the conflict.

Amsec should play a bigger role in bringing together various parties for a full and frank consultation on long-term solutions and resolutions for peace in Aceh. Amsec's role is appreciated at this point since Asean is seen as redundant over finding peaceful solutions to Aceh.

All parties should close rank - the initiative should include Asean secretariat as a primary platform, while members country should play a stronger role in providing multilateral intra-governmental support to the situation in Aceh. The current situation will only see more lives sacrificed if we continue to advance this as a closed political dispute.

It's time for Wisma Putra to initiate a peace platform, via Asean, for the disputing sides to find a solution to Aceh. We cannot be hiding behind the excuse of non-interference in domestic politics and respect of sovereignty being the spirit of Asean. With the recent re-arrest of Aung San Suu Kyi, the credibility and relevance of Asean is at stake.

It's time for Asean to seriously consider its role and possible resolutions that exist in the wake of this political concern. All parties, be it the government, civil society, political parties and leaders must join hands to reposition Asean, to endorse the spirit of equal representation and seek out the true political aspirations of the Asean community.