A single Singaporean’s attempt to divide Asean won’t succeed, says Laos

VIENTIANE, Nov 2 (The Vientiane Times/ANN): Asean citizen, especially those from new member states, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR or Laos) and the Kingdom of Cambodia, are shocked learning that a respected defender of the Association of South-East Asian Nations (Asean) has decided not to defend it anymore by sending a misleading message to the world suggesting that Laos and Cambodia be expelled from Asean.

Many questions have been raised to find out what made a former diplomat, Ambassador Bilahari Kausikan changed his mind; why has he decided to go against the founding father of Asean’s vision and Asean citizen; why has he decided not to further promote Asean Charter, which he himself has contributed to its contents; why has he torn down the principles enshrined in the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in South-East Asia and why has he not picked up an urgent agenda to write to help the region especially when Asean leaders, governments and peoples are making their concerted efforts to overcome the Covid-19 pandemic devastating impacts and move forward to cement Asean Community.