HOW one analyses and describes a crisis will show its severity. Taking the time to root out potential problems in the early stages demonstrates a sense of urgency and competency. In the process’ conclusion, an effective jurisdiction creates a culture of awareness and responsibility.

The reluctance of Asean countries to declare transboundary smoke as a severe problem and a form of environmental terrorism is the reason that measures to rein in air pollution have not been effective. The haphazard manner in which the issue is addressed reveals a lack of the organising principles of collective action. It shows a poor sense of urgency and lack of competency. This points to a deep-seated crisis of awareness and jurisdiction.

There seems to be a tolerance for plantation business interests, which, perhaps, have strong links to the political elite. For example, the complaint that Malaysian companies have been involved in forest clearing in Indonesia is not new. Such complaints were raised in previous smoke situations. Why is the Malaysian business elite, in spite of the previous accusations, still able to conduct burning?

The so-called transboundary agreement between Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia has basically failed. In contrast, China, even though an autocratic state, has taken serious action to reduce pollution. It has embraced environmental technology, even being an exporter of such tech.

Asean should learn from China about what it means to have a sense of urgency and a paradigm shift on the environment to show that it is serious about tackling pollution. According to reports in China, the country prosecuted more than 3,500 people for pollution-related crimes in the first 10 months of 2018 – up nearly 40% from the previous year.

Addressing pollution also entails scanning through the current economic systems that tend to prioritise profits over people. The so-called non-interference in the internal affairs of Asean states basically defies the logic of interrelated destiny when it comes to preserving the environment.

To reach a solution, it is vital for Asean to redefine, through a change in wording, the issue of pollution to connote its seriousness. It is time that the bloc sets up a court for environmental justice, to prosecute individuals over transnational pollution. Such a court is critical since pollution issues have global ramifications, effecting vulnerable communities in each state. What more, when there is a serious climate change issue, which Asean is part of. We need to see more people prosecuted for environmental crimes.

Citizens of Asean states should also be able to sue their governments for negligence and lack of action to resolve environmental woes. Is Asean up to the challenge? It will very much depend on the strength of the collective voice of citizens to preserve and safeguard the environment. – September 20, 2019.

* Ronald Benjamin is secretary of the Association for Community and Dialogue.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.