Myanmar is a litmus test of what ‘ASEAN way’ amounts to
As ASEAN races to normalize ties with Myanmar's brutal military junta for geopolitical gain, its quiet betrayal of human rights and its own charter lays bare the hollow core of the "ASEAN way."
ASEAN finds itself at a critical juncture as it grapples with the implications of normalizing ties with Myanmar's authoritarian regime. Two events on September 29, 2026, highlighted the conflicting priorities and values within the regional organization.
Malaysia deported 1,476 Myanmar refugees, a move that potentially violated the principle of non-refoulement. The junta's provision of a list of approved returnees raised concerns about the inclusion of political dissidents and those at risk of forced conscription. This deportation plan, spearheaded by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, marked a shift in Malaysia's stance, with Ibrahim, once a strong Rohingya advocate, now welcoming the junta's leader despite his own ICC warrant for crimes against humanity.
Meanwhile, the Myanmar military launched a bombing raid on a civilian market in Rakhine State, killing 50 people, mostly women and children. This attack occurred in the very region where the deported Rohingya would eventually return, further emphasizing the stark contradiction between ASEAN's rhetoric of civilian rule and its continued support for a regime responsible for egregious human rights abuses.
ASEAN members appear to prioritize economic and geopolitical gains over upholding human rights and the values enshrined in their own charter. As the region navigates these complex dynamics, the broader implications for both Myanmar and the international community remain uncertain.
Written by urgent.news from The Jakarta Post Academia's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
