THE ASEAN CHARTER: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Why does ASEAN need a Charter?

Currently, ASEAN is a loosely-organised regional body. However, ASEAN is moving towards being a more rules-based organisation in order to better meet the challenges posed by regional integration, the expansion of its external linkages and rapid globalisation, and in so doing, remain an effective player on the international stage. In this context, the ASEAN Charter will set the framework and lay the legal foundation for ASEAN to restructure its existing mechanisms and improve its decision-making process to enhance efficiency and ensure prompt implementation of all ASEAN agreements and decisions. The Charter will also provide ASEAN with a legal personality.

What have been the key milestones of the Charter process to-date?

• Nov 04: The ASEAN Charter is listed as a goal in the Vientiane Action Programme.

• Dec 05: The ASEAN Leaders signed the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on the Establishment of the ASEAN Charter, establishing an Eminent Persons Group (EPG)on the ASEAN Charter.

• Jan 07: The Leaders signed the Cebu Declaration on the Blueprint of the ASEAN Charter, endorsing the EPG's report and directing a High Level Task Force to begin drafting the Charter.

Who were the members of the EPG?

The EPG consisted of ten members: Pehin Dato Lim Jock Seng (Brunei Darussalam); Dr. Aun Porn Moniroth (Cambodia); Mr. Ali Alatas (Indonesia); Mr. Khamphan Simmalavong (Lao PDR); Tun Musa Hitam (Malaysia); Dr. Than Nyun (Myanmar); Mr. Fidel V. Ramos (Philippines); Prof. S. Jayakumar (Singapore); M.R. Kasemsamosorn Kasemsri (Thailand); and Mr. Nguyen Manh Cam (Viet Nam).

What was the EPG's mandate?

The EPG was tasked, under its terms of reference, to study ASEAN and make "bold and visionary" recommendations on what should go into the Charter. Through 2006, the EPG tapped the brains of leaders, ministers, parliamentarians and officials from ASEAN (and the European Union), academia and civil society, among others, to get ideas for the EPG Report.

What are the EPG's key recommendations?

While ideas such as the introduction of voting and the possible suspension of members for breach of ASEAN agreements have generated the greatest media interest, the EPG has also made important recommendations on improving ASEAN's structure, giving ASEAN a legal standing, strengthening the Secretariat,and increasing ASEAN's engagement with all stakeholders.

Who will draft the Charter?

The Charter will be drafted by a High LevelTask Force consisting of: Pengiran Dato Osman Patra (Brunei Darussalam); Dr. Kao Kim Hourn (Cambodia); Mr. Dian Triansyah Djani (Indonesia); Mr. Bounkeut Sangsomsak (Lao PDR); Tan Sri Ahmad Fuzi Haji Abdul Razak (Malaysia); U Aung Bwa (Myanmar); Amb. Rosario G. Manalo (Philippines); Prof. Tommy Koh (Singapore); Mr.Sihasak Phuangketkeow (Thailand); and Mr. Nguyen Trung Thanh (Viet Nam).

When will the ASEAN Charter be ready?

The High Level Task Force will meet for the first time in February 2007 and begin drafting the Charter based on the Leaders' directives from the 11th and 12th ASEAN Summits, the EPG Report and other key ASEAN documents. The Charter is expected to be completed in time for the 13th ASEAN Summit in November 2007 in Singapore.

What is the role of the Secretary-General of ASEAN in this drafting process?

The Secretary-General of ASEAN is the resource person for the High Level Task Forcebut he is not involved in drafting the Charter.

Sources and Relevant Links:

ASEAN Chairperson's Statement of the 12th ASEAN Summit Cebu, Philippines13 January 2007

SAPA Southeast Asian Civil Society and the ASEAN Charter: The Way Forward

Forum Asia 40th Anniversary Highlights the Need to Set ASEAN on a New Path

Forum Asia ASEAN: Need for Greater Civil Society Involvement

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