Howard stands firm on treaty issue

The talks between Australian Prime Minister John Howard and his Malaysian counterpart Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, whose visit to Australia was regarded as a historic moment, could have ended with better outcomes for both countries. 

But Howard’s steadfast refusal to sign the Asean Treaty of Amity and Cooperation – or to announce that he would be prepared to reconsider it – is tantamount to missing the bus for a seat at the forthcoming East Asia (EA) Summit in Kuala Lumpur.