EDITORIAL - Business as usual for Myanmar

Eight years ago, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations accepted Myanmar and Laos as members. The move, opposed by human rights advocates and most governments in the free world, was explained by ASEAN as part of a policy of constructive engagement with Myanmar’s repressive military junta. Critics feared the move merely legitimized the dictatorship in Myanmar. On the other hand, ASEAN hoped its policy would encourage the junta to gradually embrace the free market, if not of ideas then at least of goods.

ASEAN’s decision was not unexpected; several founding members of ASEAN such as Indonesia and Malaysia were headed by autocratic regimes when the grouping was formed. Those members, however, have since evolved into more open societies. If ASEAN’s constructive engagement has worked in what was once known as Burma, the results are barely discernible. Since membership in ASEAN gave Myanmar’s rulers a veneer of respectability, the junta has given no indication that it intends to amend its repressive ways. It has refused to honor the results of the 1990 elections where the opposition National League for Democracy won overwhelmingly. Opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi has been jailed and placed under house arrest, remaining under detention through several ASEAN leaders’ summits.

Individual ASEAN members including the Philippines have gone against the grouping’s traditional policy of non-intervention in each other’s internal affairs, reminding Myanmar of the need for reforms. Yangon’s response so far has been indifference; ASEAN may as well be speaking an alien language.

Today the Philippines is hosting Myanmar’s prime minister, Lt. Gen. Soe Win. The visit is part of a regional swing for the junta leader, but being feted in the land of people power gives Soe Win additional cachet.

President Arroyo, who was propelled to Malacañang by people power, must impress on the nation’s controversial guest that legitimacy in the international community carries with it responsibilities. Face does not come free. ASEAN took a chance on Myanmar, but so far the decision has borne no fruit, with the junta regarding membership in the grouping as a stamp of approval for business as usual. Next year Myanmar, as ASEAN chair, will host the grouping’s leaders’ summit. This state of affairs cannot continue. The junta must not be allowed to enjoy its free lunch, courtesy of ASEAN.