HANOI - MYANMAR faced scrutiny on Friday over its widely criticised election plans, at a meeting of Southeast Asian leaders where the ruling junta has been urged to ensure the ballot is free and fair.
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) summit in Vietnam's capital Hanoi has been overshadowed by the Myanmar issue, as well as political drama in Thailand which forced its premier to stay at home.
The United States has led international condemnation of laws Myanmar has enacted for the polls scheduled to be held later this year, which effectively bar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi from participating.
'I think they realise that the whole world is watching them,' Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak said on the opening day of the summit on Thursday. 'But for them to decide to take the path or the roadmap towards democracy is a gargantuan step, and we're glad that they've taken that, so we must encourage them along the way,' he told reporters.
Asean members are divided on how to handle Myanmar, which has always escaped formal censure from the 10-nation group as it adheres to a principle of non-interference in each other's internal affairs. But as Myanmar's poor record - including allegations of massive human rights abuses as well as a failure to shift to democracy - again threatens to discredit the region, its neighbours reminded it of its obligations.
'The important thing is for the process itself to be a very sound process, a credible process, and to be free and fair so that it will enhance Myanmar and Asean, particularly with the world community,' Mr Najib said. 'I think they understand what is expected of them,' he said, but added that regional states would not 'pre-judge' Myanmar by assuming the polls will fall short of expectations. -- AFP
Source :http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/SEAsia/Story/STIStory_512449.html
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