Asean’s next 50 years

Leadership and direction needed: Asean foreign ministers linking arms during a retreat in Boracay, Philippines, last month. At 50, there must be a re-statement by Asean on what it stands for, where it is and where it wants to go. — AP

ASEAN needs to be revitalised. It needs the kind of leadership that led to its establishment on Aug 8, 1967 or, for example, to the clear and defining statement on ZOPFAN, the Zone of Peace, Freedom and Neutrality, in 1971.

Instead, it has not been able to take a clear stand on challenging issues or to carve an immoveable objective to be achieved in a set time. Yes, Asean talks about a community, or rather waffles about it, but it is short on achievement and the time frame is constantly extended.