The East Timor saga not only highlighted serious shortcomings of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, which failed to respond quickly and effectively to brutality in its backyard, but also demonstrated that not everybody in the region thinks it is a great club to join.
The dissenting voice came from Jose Ramos Horta, the East Timorese spokesman, who singled out Malaysia for special criticism. His blunt remarks brought a response from Malaysia's permanent representative to the United Nations in the oblique language beloved by diplomats in Southeast Asia to affect politeness while leaving no doubt about the message.
Hasmy Agam said Malaysia took pride in the fact that its troops had carried out their duties professionally and in a fair and impartial manner in all 22 UN peacekeeping operations in which it had been involved.
'I feel compelled to make this point because doubts have been raised from a particular quarter about the appropriateness of Malaysia playing a peacekeeping role in a neighbouring territory,' he said.
He was clearly referring to Mr Ramos Horta, who, in a Sydney luncheon address, described Asean members as 'accomplices of Indonesia' and said they would not be allowed to impose themselves on East Timor.
Mr Ramos Horta said the East Timorese could accept Australian, New Zealand or Fijian command of the force but would not accept any Asean member because they were not neutral. He said he was totally opposed to Malaysia leading the UN peacekeeping efforts. 'Malaysia is always on the side of Indonesia,' he said.
Mr Ramos Horta also said East Timor was 'part of South Pacific nations' and 'not part of Asean'.
