East Timor officially became the 11th member state of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) after a 14-year campaign and joined ASEAN leaders in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, for a summit and signing ceremony. Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao expressed his gratitude, calling it a realization of a dream and a testament to their resilience and determination. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, the current ASEAN chair, welcomed East Timor, stating that its inclusion completes the ASEAN family and emphasizes regional unity.
East Timor, also known as Timor-Leste, gained independence from Indonesia in 2002 after 24 years of occupation and has long sought ASEAN membership. President Jose Ramos-Horta initiated the application in 2011. Despite challenges, East Timor’s admission is considered a significant achievement during Malaysia’s ASEAN chairmanship. However, the country still faces issues such as inequality, malnutrition, and unemployment. Its heavy reliance on oil and limited economic diversification raise concerns about its ability to fully engage in ASEAN’s development initiatives.
Infrastructure development and enhancing human resources are crucial for East Timor’s effective participation in ASEAN’s economic community. Recent protests against government spending, including plans to purchase luxury vehicles for parliamentarians, highlight ongoing challenges in governance and public accountability. Despite these challenges, East Timor’s entry into ASEAN marks a new chapter for the country and its regional relationships. ASEAN, which began with five members in 1967, has steadily expanded, with Cambodia being the most recent addition in 1999.