The tension between Thailand and Cambodia over the Preah Vihear Temple flared up once again in February, with military attacks across the disputed border resulting in casualties and deaths on both sides. This is the fifth time that Thailand and Cambodia have engaged in low-level military conflict since October 2008.
This conflict has shone the spotlight on ASEAN as a grouping that exists, first and foremost, to maintain the peace between member states. This dispute is a test for ASEAN’s credibility. But what role can it play in such bilateral disputes, and what are the limits?
Since its founding, ASEAN has adhered to the twin principles of non-interference in the affairs of member states and a consensus-based decision-making approach to guide its members’ interaction with each other. How do these principles impinge on the grouping’s ability to settle disputes between members, since dispute settlement could be viewed as interference? Does the consensus-based approach effectively give each state veto power?
On the more general issue of creating an ASEAN Community by 2015, it would be instructive for Minister to provide an update on progress of the three planks viz. the Political-Security Community, Economic Community and Socio-Cultural Community?
I note, in particular, that the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) aims to achieve solidarity among the ASEAN nations and peoples by forging a common identity and building a caring and sharing society. The ASCC Blueprint (2009) sets out some bold objectives and activities to achieve these goals, including teaching of common values and cultural heritage in school curricula and supporting the learning of ASEAN languages.
Will the Minister share what progress has been made towards forging a common identity and better understanding among the peoples of ASEAN states? It is also not too clear how ordinary Singaporeans are being engaged in this process.