Myanmar
is in a hurry to rejoin the world after stagnating for decades in an
ideological wilderness of its own making.
It was proper of its Asean partners to have
encouraged the change in post-junta ethics under President Thein Sein by
awarding the country the grouping's rotating chair for 2014. It will hasten
Myanmar's international rehabilitation, a requisite step towards economic and
social repair.
Asean has been nothing if not consistent. It
never wavered in its belief in the justness of constructive engagement, as
opposed to the robust sanctions approach of the United States and Europe which
invariably caused the people more harm than it did the insulated generals.
But even the US is in a hurry to embrace the new
Myanmar. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is due to visit in the coming
weeks. President Barack Obama has been talking with Ms Aung San Suu Kyi, who
encouraged US engagement. How much of the US enthusiasm is ascribed to
calculations in its rivalry with China is a point to ponder. Myanmar is of
strategic value to China - for its abundant energy supplies, its naval
positioning and as a fallback route in oil transport from the Gulf. What
Beijing makes of the goings-on can be gleaned from its dismay at having a
Chinese-paid dam project on the Irrawaddy suspended. Beijing would have
wondered if this was not part of a US flanking move. Is Myanmar really opening
up, or is it hedging its bets?
For all those permutations, it is advisable
not to get carried away with what has happened so far. A Myanmar coming in from
the cold is the best thing that could happen. A Myanmar demo-cratising but also
being used as the newest fount in the US-China contest for regional influence
could have outcomes harder to imagine.
The 'regularisation' that has taken place
since civilians nominally succeeded a military administration comprised acts
that cost the government little in the way of governing control. Release of an
estimated 2,000 political dissidents should be complete, not selective, if the
leadership believes in political contestation. This is an essential condition
for democratisation. Easing of restrictions on the media and trade unions that
has been granted is part of a package deal. Harder to contemplate are resolving
the border ethnic conflicts and rewriting laws to empower ordinary Myanmarese
and stimulate foreign investment to bring jobs. Ms Suu Kyi has expressly
endorsed her country's restoration in putting herself and her banned party, the
National League for Democracy, back in the electoral arena. It could be said
what's good enough for her - the conscience of Myanmar in its long night - is
ample in clearing up doubts. Still, one looks for more signs.
News Desk
The Straits Times
Business & Investment Opportunities
YourVietnamExpert is a division of Saigon Business Corporation Pte Ltd, Incorporated in Singapore since 1994. As Your Business Companion, we propose a range of services in Consulting, Investment and Management, focusing three main economic sectors: International PR; Healthcare & Wellness;and Tourism & Hospitality. We also propose Higher Education, as a bridge between educational structures and industries, by supporting international programs. Sign up with twitter to get news updates with @SaigonBusinessC. Thanks.
No comments:
Post a Comment