Though ASEAN consists of three
pillars, namely political, economic and cultural pillars, critics argue that
the emphasis is too much on economic pillar. They argue that not moving the
other two pillars as advanced as the economic pillar would result in many
problems associated with disintegration rather than integration.
With well-managed politics, economy
and culture, any countries could maintain their stability and further their
improvement efficiently and effectively. Founded on August 8, 1967 the ASEAN community
also holds these three principles and regards them as its fundamental
“pillars.” However, the sizes of each pillar are becoming completely distinct
from one another. The ASEAN seems to buttress the economic pillar and give
special attention to its significance than the others. According to critics,
the effort might disintegrate, instead of unifying, the community.
If
to assume the ASEAN community to be a car, the economic pillar would be its
fuel since it either pushes or slows the community. The state of the economy
has the greatest effect to the country and, probably, the reason why it has
been remarkably taken into account is its integration provides substantial
rewards and benefits. As the economy flourishes, people’s living standard and
government income will improve in leaps and bounds. Therefore, ASEAN free trade
area, ASEAN investment area and other economic-related matters seem to be the
most chosen topics for the members to discuss. On the contrary, if it is in a recession, it
also brings enormous problems. First, there will be an increase in unemployment.
Since sales revenues shrink, manufacturers have to cut costs, and to do so manufacturers
usually stop hiring their employees. Second, the stock price may decline
which will cause a drop in confidence from both domestic and foreign investors
who are the main supporters of businesses located in the community. Third,
there will be a downgrading of goods and services quality since manufacturers
have to further cut expenditures. The aforementioned problems also urge the
community to pay heed to its economy cautiously and attentively.
However,
without tires, the car couldn’t move. Economic pillar alone couldn’t march the
community forward if incongruity among the members still exists. Cultural
pillar acts as the tires which makes the car head to its right direction
smoothly and continuously. In other words, cultural pillar harmonizes diversity
of culture and dignity in the community and establishes its own identity.
Nevertheless, the quality of uniqueness must be approved by all of the members
and without violating or distorting each of their elegances. It also focuses on
livelihood and welfare of the people; for this reason, every action the
community takes should be people-oriented and socially concerned.
Apart
from fuel and tires, the car would be amorphous if there is no frame and might
approach to a wrong direction if there is no headlight lighting the road up.
Political pillar serves these functions. It will form security and peaceful
coexistence inside and outside the region as well as ensure that the community
will not go out of the track of “democracy.” Assurance of good law and
governance, effective protection of human rights are also included in its
responsibility.
In conclusion, every pillar plays
different vital roles in the community. Lack of one would affect others
tremendously. Hence, ASEAN political security and socio-cultural pillars must
go apace with economy. Like a car, different pars serve crucial functions that
make it moves constantly and safely. But the point is which cars does the ASEAN
community is going to be? A fast one like Ferrari, or a sluggish one like an
old gigantic truck.
