The resumption of hostilities in Aceh earlier this month after a five-month ceasefire has raised questions o­nce again as to whether Asean should be playing a more prominent role in mediating for solutions to long-standing regional conflicts.

Last criticised for its perceived inaction during the 1999 East Timor post-referendum violence, the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) now faces the spotlight for its low profile position vis-a-vis the Aceh question.

But speaking to malaysiakini earlier this week, former Asean secretary-general Ajit Singh said there are good reasons for Asean not to take an outright involvement in negotiations between the Indonesian government and the separatist Free Aceh Movement (GAM).