A self-destructive move

Demanding action: Xanana wants Asean to end the state-sponsored atrocities in Myanmar before Timor-Leste joins the regional grouping. — AP

ASEAN just celebrated its 56th anniversary on Aug 8, and this year, the official elevation of Timor-Leste as the 11th member of the regional grouping from its current status as an observer is expected to reach the final steps when Asean leaders gather for their second biannual summit in Jakarta in September.

But Timor-Leste could undermine the process after its leader appeared to issue a vote of no- confidence in the increasingly powerful bloc.