To believe that ASEAN consists of institutions and mechanisms nobody really cares about is stating the obvious.

But as an optimist and a strong supporter of regional cooperation, which ideally could one day evolve into regional integration based on shared democratic and human rights-centered values, I hope that ASEAN will become a truly relevant institution.

Because the problem that we have right now is that ASEAN, though it might be seen by key strategic nations as a respected and credible institution, is not relevant to its citizens.

Can you think of one decision or action taken by ASEAN that truly marked a difference for the people living in the Southeast Asia region?

For example, take the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA). While its secretariat seems to make an effort to brand the assembly as an important institution, only a few really bother about it because it does not matter.

After all, who heard of the AIPA’s 35th General Assembly that was just held few days ago in Laos? ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn seems to have a fond attachment to China. Well, who could blame him? Considering China’s influence in the region and the fact that Cambodia, Kao’s country of origin, is the most important ally of Beijing in the region.

There is nothing wrong with the secretary-general visiting the 21st China-ASEAN EXPO (CAEXPO) but shouldn’t he be in New York where the United Nations Summit of the Future just ended?