Session V - ASEAN Community: What are the Institutional Implications?

Summary

At the time ASEAN was formed in 1967, institutional structures were not considered very important by its member states. It was not surprising therefore that it took almost a decade before an ASEAN secretariat was established. Prior to its establishment in 1976, ASEAN affairs were handled essentially by national secretariats in each member state that co-ordinated the various activities outlined in the ASEAN Declaration of 1967. The coordination at national levels continued even after the ASEAN Secretariat was created and it was not until 1992 when the members decided to strengthen the institutional structure and function of the Secretariat. The primary reason for the decision to finally strengthen the Secretariat was the need to administer the creation of an ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA).

The institutional restructuring of ASEAN was however predicated on clearly defined parameters.

First, regional institutions should not take on any supranational functions.

Second, sensitivity should be given to the roles played by the foreign ministers and ASEAN Director-Generals (and their national secretariats) in the development of ASEAN.

Third, ASEAN would move at a slow and incremental pace. Furthermore, any changes should be predictable and not require much financial resources.

Notwithstanding these parameters, ASEAN has indicated that it was prepared to move quickly when necessary as shown by the short deadlines adopted in implementing the measures outlined by the HLTF on moving ahead with economic integration.

To make ASEAN more effective in responding to new challenges, including the need to expedite efforts towards economic integration, several changes to its institutional structures were suggested:

(i) Preparation of an annual report by the ASEAN Secretary- General to be given directly to the leaders instead of the ASEAN Standing Committee.

(ii) Giving ASEAN Ministers direct access to ASEAN Heads of Governments (HOGs) during the ASEAN Ministerial Meetings. This would enable HOGs to have direct access to recommendations and policy issues prepared by their ministers.

(iii) Establishing a committee of representatives from each member country, similar to the UN. Based in Jakarta, this committee would work closely with the ASEAN Secretariat and report to their respective national ministries or coordinating secretariats on relevant issues. This committee comprising ambassador-level representatives would cut down the huge number of existing ASEAN meetings that are organized throughout the year.