It has been reported that Asean ministers have decided to exclude Australia and New Zealand from the inaugural East Asian summit in Kuala Lumpur in December for the latter's refusal to accede to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC), in particular in abiding by the treaty's ban on the use of violence in settling conflicts.
It is an unnecessary obstacle.
It will not benefit the region if Australia and New Zealand are barred from attending the summit. It will be an insult to two nations that have for a long time been the region's protectors, economic aid and education providers and reliable friends in times of peace and trouble.
The traditional ties between Australia and Malaysia have historically been strong. Both countries should not have to suffer setbacks because of the irrational demands and inordinate politicking of politicians who should know better.
Every nation has the right to take whatever steps necessary to defend itself. Australia is a target for potential terrorist attacks and should not be forced into a situation where its national security may be compromised.
I hardly think attacking terrorist groups or individuals fits into the spirit of the TAC which to my mind implies violent activity of a different nature and for different reasons. It is unimaginable that Australia would carry out a pre-emptive strike against a potential threat without first consulting the country concerned. Asean's worry is unfounded.
After all, Australia already works closely with Asean member countries in tackling international terrorism by sharing its intelligence. By demanding that Australia not take unilateral action to defend its national security is to embolden potential terrorists that may target the country.
Those that criticise Australia for not engaging Asia more are acting inconsistently when they put obstacles in the path of the former each time it tries to draw closer to Asia.
It is not an Asian value to show ingratitude to countries like Australia and New Zealand that have been the region's traditional friends. Malaysia should show its sincerity by helping Australia's efforts in juxtaposing with Asia. Ironically, it is Indonesia which is now doing that.
People-to-people relations among Australian and Asean countries have always been sound and friendly. But the actions of individual politicians and their personal differences have soured bilateral relations in the past.
Now is the time for bridge-building and to include Australia and New Zealand in all regional affairs by adopting a more conciliatory approach.
Australia has much to offer Asean countries in the way it functions as a democratic nation and its educational and research resources. Asean countries, meanwhile, will continue to provide for Australia a huge pool of talent, a huge market for Australian products and services and an enrichment of Australian society through cultural diversity.
In the war against corruption, there is much Asean countries can learn from Australia. Often, governments think in terms of the detection and punishment of corrupt acts. But it is the preventative measures that offer a better solution.
Australia's relatively transparent bureaucracy, the rule of law, a free media, community attitudes and other checks and balances ensure corruption is not a serious social problem unlike in several Asean countries. The Australian police force, in particular, have been the subject of many inquiries in different states that have resulted in prosecutions.
A win-win result for the region is only possible when politicians think beyond narrow politics for the benefit of true regional cooperation and mutual economic prosperity. That should be the spirit of Asean.
It is unfair, even unthinkable, that Australia be excluded form regional groupings when the global trend is towards regionalisation.
