The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), has faced an unprecedented challenge since the military junta seized power in a coup in Myanmar in 2020. Departing from its initial premise of ‘non-interference’ in the domestic policies of its member states, the regional group decided to ban Myanmar’s military representatives from meetings and summits. The five-point plan for consensus was supported by most members, however, Cambodia’s tenure as Chair of this organisation has brought the plan’s efficacy and longevity into question. At a time when Europe stands united against Russian actions in Ukraine, with a coherent and consistent response from states across the continent, can ASEAN do the same as it seeks to find a peaceful solution in the case of Myanmar?
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ASEAN's Cambodian Stress Test
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This was published on Thursday 10 March 2022.
About the Author
Tan Sri Dr Munir Majid is currently Chairman of ASEAN Business Advisory Council Malaysia, of CARI ASEAN Research and Advocacy (formerly known as CIMB ASEAN Research Institute), as well as President of the ASEAN Business Club. He also sits on the board of the Institute of Strategic and International Studies (ISIS) Malaysia, Board Chairman of the Institute for Capital Market Research Malaysia (ICMR) and serve as the Independent Non-Executive Director of the Silverlake Axis. He is formerly the Chairman of Bank Muamalat Malaysia Berhad (2008- 2020). He had been the Group Editor of the New Straits Times, first executive chairman of CIMB and founding chairman of the Malaysian Securities Commission. Tan Sri Dr Munir Majid obtained a BSc (Econ) and PhD in International Relations from The London School of Economics and Political Science (ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳) in 1971 and 1978. He is an Honorary Fellow of ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳ and a Visiting Senior Fellow at ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳ IDEAS.