Asean needs robust approach to regional crises - experts

Asean needs a robust approach to deal with regional crises, despite the long-standing principle of non-interference.

Lina Alexandra from the Jakarta-based Centre for Strategic and International Studies cited the ongoing crisis in Myanmar as a current example.

“If a member state faces an internal problem that transforms into a regional crisis threatening the stability of other member states, a response is necessary.

“This should not be seen as a violation of the non-interference principle, but rather as an act of regional solidarity.

“The crisis in Myanmar is no longer a domestic issue; it is a regional problem.

“Asean must adopt a more robust approach to address this,” said Alexandra during the launch of a report titled “A Partnership for the Future: Asean-Australia Ties After the First 50 Years” held in Kuala Lumpur today.

Also present was Australia’s High Commissioner to Malaysia, Danielle Heinecke.

University of Tasmania pro-vice-chancellor Nicholas Farrelly concurred with Alexandra.

He emphasised the importance of a balanced non-interference policy for Asean’s long-term resilience and success.

Specifically, in the case of Myanmar, he pointed out the significant interest in Australia in resolving such regional crises.

“If Australia and indeed individual Australians can make some contribution, then we’d love to do so,” said Farrelly, who is also an Australia-Asean Council board member.

Partnership anniversary

Besides Alexandra and Farrelly, the report was also co-authored by Sharon Seah from Yusof Ishak Institute and Kimly Ngoun from Asian Vision Institute.

It was launched today by the Institute of Diplomacy and Foreign Relations, in collaboration with the Australian High Commission.

As 2024 marks the 50th anniversary of Australia’s dialogue partnership with Asean, the report reflects on five decades of cooperation between Asean and Australia.

It also looks forward to the future with a series of recommendations to further strengthen the partnership.

Australia became Asean’s first Dialogue Partner in 1974.

- Bernama

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