Asean must suspend Burma's membership and mount pressure on its military regime to carry out democratic reforms and free pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi, said an international youth movement.

During a three-day meeting in Penang last week, the International Union of Socialist Youth (Iusy) said by severing ties with Burma, Asean will be able to convey a strong message to the military leaders.

"The suspension is timely. If Asean severs political and trade links with Burma, it will seriously weaken the regime," said Iusy president Fikile Mbalula.

Iusy's Asia Pacific Committee has also drafted a memorandum calling for the immediate suspension. Signed by six organisations that took part in the meeting, the memorandum will be submitted to Asean member states.

Among those who inked the document were DAP Socialist Youth (Dapsy), New Zealand Young Labour, Australia Youth Labour, Nepal Students Union, Nepal Tarun Dal and Philippines Akbayan Youth.

Economic growth

Iusy said although Asean maintains a policy of non-interference, the regional body however has a responsibility towards the Burmese people.

"The Asean-link has spurred Burma's economic growth which in turn has strengthened the military junta. The economic boost has failed to coerce the military regime to bring about political changes and stability, as expected by Asean.

"Indeed Burma's membership only strengthens international view that Asean legitimises Rangoon's undemocratic leadership," said Mbalula when deliberating the memorandum.

Meanwhile, Iusy also welcomed the recent formation of Malaysian parliamentary caucus on Burma, which is chaired by Barisan Nasional MP Zaid Ibrahim.

Next on Iusy'a agenda is the issue of refugees.

"We will send a strong message to the regimes which prosecute their citizens forcing them to become refugees. Today our message is to Rangoon's junta," said vice president (Asia Pacific region) Jacinda Ardern.

Iusy has 143 member organisations from 100 countries. Among others, the movement espouses democracy, racial and gender equality and the eradication of poverty.

Also present at the meeting were Iusy secretary general Enzo Amendola, vice president (Asia Pacific region) Jonas Bagan, Dapsy national deputy chairperson Tan Hun Wooi and its international affairs secretary John Chung.

ATHI VEERANGGAN is malaysiakini's Penang-based stringer.