CHIJ SJC Paper 2008 - ASEAN

Time yourself and do the paper. I will post the answers in 2 days' at the end of tomorrow.

 

Section A

Source – based Case Study

Question 1 is compulsory for all candidates.

Study the sources carefully, and then answer all the questions.

You may use any of the sources to help you answer the questions, in addition to those sources which you are told to use. In answering the questions you should use your knowledge of the topic to help you interpret and evaluate the sources.

1          (a)       Study Source A.

                        What is the message that the cartoonist is trying to convey?

                        Explain your answer by referring to details of the cartoon.                            [6]

(b)        Study Source B.

Why do you think Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong made this speech?

Explain your answer.                                                                                             [6]

(c)          Study Source C.

How useful is this source as evidence that ASEAN has played a part in

Myanmar’s willingness to work towards resolving its internal problems?     [6]

(d)       Study Source D.

                        Does this source prove that ASEAN is ineffective as a regional

organisation? Explain your answer.                                                                    [7]

                       

Is the Association of the Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)

effective in handling challenges?

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Read this carefully. It may help you to answer some of the questions.

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) was founded on 8 August 1967, with the signing of the Bangkok Declaration by the five founding members: Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand. Forty years have passed since the establishment of ASEAN, a period that saw a positive development of interactions among its members.

ASEAN made big strides in its 40^th year with its leaders signing its Constitution and made agreements on an economic blueprint to liberalise trade in the region. But the whole meeting could well be remembered for the Myanmar issue, as the old ASEAN rule prevailed – a member country cannot interfere with the affairs of another member country. ASEAN remained silent to the suppression of pro-democracy demonstrations in Myanmar by the military government.

Study the following sources to find out the realities of ASEAN at forty years and if it is effective in dealing with the thorny issues it faces.

Source A: A political cartoon entitled “Skeleton in ASEAN Closet” by Paresh

                   Nath from National Herald, India, 23 November 2007.

*The New Charter aimed to promote democracy, the rule of law, good governance, protection of human rights and non-aggression and to reject unconstitutional regime change.

Source B: Speech by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at the13th ASEAN Summit held in

                  Singapore, November 2007.

At 40, ASEAN can look back with pride at the peace and stability that it has brought. We have come a long way since the Bangkok Declaration in 1967. To make ASEAN strong and relevant, we must accelerate and deepen regional integration. The ASEAN Charter is a crucial step in this process. The Charter will change the way we approach and think about ASEAN. It will make ASEAN into a more effective and cohesive organisation. The signing of the Charter today is just the beginning of a longer, continuing journey that all ASEAN members must take. ASEAN must gradually adapt to a culture of compliance and implementation. Only then can we forge ahead as a grouping. We gather here today with high hopes and aspirations. The road ahead will not be easy. But I am confident that every member shares the vision for a new ASEAN, and the commitment to make this vision a reality.

Source C: Adapted from The Washington Post, by Nick Wadhams.

UN Special Envoy to Myanmar, Ibrahim Gambari had rare access to senior leaders during his trip to Myanmar and was the first senior UN official to meet with detained pro-democracy leader, Aung San Suu Kyi. He said that it was a sign of a changed attitude from the military junta. “I would say that there appears to be willingness to turn a new page in the country’s relations with the international community,” Gambari said. He also acknowledged that pressure from ASEAN had helped to change the government’s stance. “Doors have been opened that were closed before and we’ll try to widen those doors and get the UN team to follow up. We have to build on what we have and continue to press for more results as failure is not an option.”

Source D: Comments by Stanley A Weiss about ASEAN and its way of handling Myanmar

                  from Asia Times Online Ltd.

ASEAN blew its chance to act on Myanmar for its human rights violation as the ASEAN Charter did not specifically touch on action against a non-compliant member. ASEAN leaders put up a brave facade to show unity and cohesion by declaring its support for Myanmar’s road to national reconciliation. ASEAN is at best a toothless talk shop where diplomats are reduced literally to song and dance routines; at worst, an apologist for oppressive regimes because its beloved “ASEAN Way” puts dialogue, consensus and non-interference above decision making, compliance and adherence to human rights. The idealistic charter, like ASEAN itself, is made a mockery by the inclusion of the military junta of Myanmar at the ASEAN Summit.

Source E: Adapted from newspaper article by Reuters, 20 November, 2007.

A Myanmar dissent, Khin Ohmar was disappointed with ASEAN’s reluctance to pressure the military junta over its crackdown on pro-democracy protests. “It’s a historical moment for them to sign the Charter, which is supposed to be the charter for the protection and promotion of human rights and now ASEAN let the Myanmar regime take over the agenda.” Khin Ohmar thinks that it’s a bad step by ASEAN and ASEAN is backtracking. “Myanmar has been a major shame for ASEAN,” Khin Ohmar said. “The social, economic and security aspects that it’s looking to resolve and promote in the region, will not happen if they don’t resolve Myanmar’s situation.” In short, Myanmar had held the other nine members of ASEAN hostage due to ASEAN’s decision not to take a stronger stance on Myanmar.

Section B

Structured - essay Questions

Answer one question.

2          Understanding Governance

(a)  To what extent is good governance in Singapore due to good leadership? Explain your answer.                                                                                                 [12]

(b)  Here are three approaches to prepare for an ageing population:

individual responsibility

family care

government support

           

                  Which of these is the most effective approach? Explain your answer.            [13]

3          Conflict and Harmony In Multi-Ethnic Societies

(a)  To what extent is the conflict in Northern Ireland due to divided loyalty?

Explain your answer.                                                                                              [12]

(b)  Here are three consequences of the Sinhalese-Tamil conflict:

foreign intervention

fall in the number of tourists

Sri Lanka Tamils driven out of their homeland

                  Which of these is the most detrimental to Sri Lanka? Explain your answer.    [13]

4          Managing International Relations

(a)  To what extent was the conflict between Iraq and Kuwait due to dispute over territory? Explain your answer.                                                                            [12]

(b)  Here are three consequences of terrorism:

economic impact

social impact

political impact

                

 Which of these is most detrimental to Singapore? Explain your answer.        [13]