Amid the spiraling chaos in Lahad Datu, Sabah, a crucial question has been raised which no one has yet explored: What can the Association of Southeast Asian Nations do? The answer is, put plainly and simply, nothing.
Last Nov. 18, the Asean Human Rights Declaration was signed by the 10 Asean heads of state. This Asian Magna Carta is a document of 40 articles comprising sections on general principles, civil and political rights, economic, social and cultural rights, development, peace, and international cooperation in the promotion and protection of human rights. Nothing like it has ever been adopted by any country or by any other bloc with a legal personality in the region.
A remarkable thing that emerged from the recent Asean diplomatic fracas is one hard truth for this regional bloc that seeks to strike common ground: The 10 countries guard against encroachments on national sovereignty and state interests. But another truth, perhaps a more painful one, is that the finger-pointing that resulted is a very un-Asean thing. And the clear indication of general remorse is that some member-states, Indonesia most especially, have taken it upon themselves to mend fraying ties.
