Writings from the Equator:
On the same day yesterday, two American envoys met with the respectable Aung San Suu Kyi of Myanmar, apparently in a move to establish a healthier and more engaging relationship with the repressive country of Myanmar; the Premier of Cambodia made a gesture to agitate his relationship with Thailand by appointing the fugitive former prime minister of Thailand Thaksin Shinawatra as Cambodia's economic advisor.
Such is the nation state politics we experience in Southeast Asia. On the one hand, some goodwill is being done to repair relationships and hopefully, towards developing a more democractic Southeast Asia. But on the other hand, Thaksin Shinawatra faced with several criminal charges for his corruption during his terms in office is being greeted with fame and acceptance from Thailand's traditional rival Cambodia.
There are still a lot of uncertainities and points of tension in the region, and the abovementioned are just the political ones. There is still no sign that free elections will be held in Myanmar, and political prisoners are unlikely to be treated leniently. The once powerful and richest tycoon-premier Thaksin Shinawatra of Thailand is flexing his muscles as a wounded animal to fight for his survival if not comeback, with the help of his connection.
There is still a lack of impartial, noble and people-centred leaders in the region. Cambodia, Myanmar and Thailand are just three of the 10-nation ASEAN. While we see many cases of injustice still being carried out, we desperately need inspiring, clean leaders in the region to lead these countries towards just and fairer societies. The needy, their livelihood and their fragile habitat - our environment are at stake.
Like the title of Nelson Mandela's book, we need to press on, on this 'Long Walk to Freedom'.
US envoys meet Myanmar's Suu Kyi
http://english.aljazeera.net/news/asia-pacific/2009/11/200911464942621839.html
Thaksin made Cambodian advisor
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/asia/159113/cambodia-makes-thailand-thaksin-adviser-government
Thursday, November 05, 2009
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