'STICK TO TRADITION'

Liberalization The poor will pay the price

Interview Indonesia's Ali Alatas speaks his mind

Notebook On the trail of the ASEAN spirit in Hanoi

THE MEMBERS OF ASEAN are under unprecedented pressure these days. But the best method of tackling the challenges is for ASEAN to stick to its traditions. Here is where I stand on three forces pulling at ASEAN today:

Globalization. Stripped to its bare essentials, globalization means the granting of national treatment to all non-national interests in the areas of trade, investment, services and finance. The forces of globalization, as promoted by the West, and the dynamics of regionalism, as espoused by regional countries such as those in ASEAN, may not be particularly conducive to each other. And while it may not be possible to avoid the growing tide of globalization, ASEAN countries must be selective in accepting particular values and standards. For a good part of the first half of the 20th century, countries of the South fought colonialism and won. Surely, in the first half of the 21st century, no one should allow the return of domination in other forms. If ASEAN has faith in itself, there is no need to be darlings of the West in order to do business with the West. That is not to say "East is East and West is West," but the parameters must be defined in order to avoid collisions along the way.

The regional economic crisis. Our difficulty to resolve the financial crisis collectively should not be used to measure the cohesiveness of ASEAN. It does not mean ASEAN is no longer relevant and that it is breaking up. ASEAN members are now beginning to realize the need to work together, that there should be regular consultations. Only through regular consultations can we avoid a similar crisis in future.

Intervention among member states. I believe in consultation, definitely not intervention - flexible or otherwise. To discuss issues which are considered internal in nature in an ASEAN forum can only cause friction and division. Let us not forget that "the ASEAN Way" has brought 31 years of peace to this region, resulting in tremendous economic progress. ASEAN countries have differed in their policies on several international issues. But in their relations with each other, several unwritten rules have always been observed. The secret of ASEAN's success lies in the respect each member accords to the others. The need to achieve consensus for all collective decisions will become more and more difficult. But our recognition of the importance and benefits of ASEAN cooperation for peace, stability and prosperity will serve as a perpetual reminder that ASEAN must remain united. Otherwise, the ASEAN spirit will be gone before we realize it.

- ABDULLAH BADAWI is the foreign minister of Malaysia