7thmas_delegates' handbook (final)

7/31/2019 7thMAS_Delegates' Handbook (Final)

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7th Model ASEAN Summit Pg 1 / 16

Hwa Chong Model ASEAN SummitHwa Chong Model ASEAN SummitThe Sabbatical Session

8 March 2010 12 March 2010

Delegates Handbook

HC Model ASEAN Summit Participants


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Introduction to ASEAN

Extracted from Hwa Chong Model ASEAN Summit Concept Paper., 2006.

Today, ASEAN is not only a well-functioning, indispensable reality in the region. It is a realforce to be reckoned with far beyond the region. It is also a trusted partner of the UnitedNations in the field of development"

Kofi Annan

Secretary-General of the United Nations16 February 2000

(Taken from the ASEAN Secretariat web site, 2006)

In his book, Can Asians Think, Kishore Mahbubani referred to the Association of South East

Asian Nations (ASEAN) as one of the most underrated organisations of contemporary times

(Mahbubani, 1998, pg. 157). Its unique role in strengthening the consolidated position of

Southeast Asian countries has often been neglected.

Since the conclusion of World War 2, Southeast Asia has been described by regional experts as

the Balkans of Asia a region of diverse race, religion, language, culture, history and

geography, according to former Singapore Ambassador to the UN, Kishore Mahbubani (Mahbubani,

2005, pg. 208).

Founded in 1967 by five original Member Countries in Bangkok; Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines,

Singapore and Thailand, ASEAN has since grown to incorporate a total of 10 South East Asian

nations. Against the backdrop of communist insurgency and the need to accelerate economic

growth, social progress and cultural development, ASEAN was born. However, ASEAN was bound

by a common need for stability and growth to counter and deny the communists the social and

economic conditions for revolution (Lee, 2000, pg. 369). It took ten years before ASEAN

developed cohesion and direction in its activities, built upon an organization which worked upon

the principles of no interference, but took into consideration the interests of others, as

mentioned by Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew in his memoirs, From Third World to First (Lee,

2000, pg. 370).

This concept was further reiterated by Kishore Mahbubani; he opined that in the crucial early

years, all members realized that ASEAN could not succeed if any of its members tried to

dominate the proceedingseach would have to be sensitive to the interests of others. The seeds

for future success as a regional body by developing consensus were thus sown. Moreover, when

consensus was not achieved, countries tried to settle for a compromise or a promise of


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cooperation (Lee, 2000, pg. 372). As of today, the ASEAN system of consensus has generated

mutual trust and comfort amongst its Member Countries, more so than any other organisation

(Mahbubani, 1998, pg. 159-160).

ASEAN solidarity has been put to the test on various occasions, most notably during theVietnamese occupation of Cambodia from 1978 to 1991 and it was spearheaded by the efforts of

the late former Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. S. Rajaratnam. It involved striking a balance

between maintaining the unity of ASEAN by opposing the interests and policies of Thailand and

Indonesia while being successful in the isolation of Vietnam at the UN and international

gatherings, as recounted by Minister Mentor Lee (Lee, 2000, pg. 374). This best illustrates the

intricate balance between persevering and regional consensus while maintaining national

interests, illustrating the art of diplomacy and negotiation at its best.

From the ASEAN Secretariat web site (2006):

The ASEAN Declaration states that the aims and purposes of the Association are: (1) toaccelerate economic growth, social progress and cultural development in the region and (2) topromote regional peace and stability through abiding respect for justice and the rule of law inthe relationship among countries in the region and adherence to the principles of the UnitedNations Charter.

By the mid 1980s, ASEAN had evolved to become the most dynamic region of the developing

world. The Member Countries growing economic dynamism made them attractive as economic

political partners(ASEAN) grew into a coherent organisation with a common voice on major

issues, leading more countries to join as its dialogue partners at annual meetings (Lee, 2000,

pg. 382). ASEAN holds regular dialogues with major powers, including the +3 partners (China,

Japan & South Korea see Appendix D)the United States and Australia (Mahbubani, 2005, pg.

138-139). These countries, including China and the United States, play a pivotal role in the

balance of power in the region, and also, dialogues with these countries have provided ASEAN

with opportunities to develop its diplomacy skills (Dzafir, 2005, pg. 261).

Singapore through the decades, has worked towards three major achievements (Singapores

permanent interests) namely, the protection of Singapore sovereignty and independence, the

fostering of ASEAN cooperation and the maintenance of a stable balance of power in Southeast

Asia, as outlined by Minister for Home Affairs, Mr. Wong Kan Seng, in the collection, The Little

Red Dot: Reflections by Singapores Diplomats. He emphasised that ASEANs emergence as a

viable and credible regional organisation is unique in the Third World and it is easy to take

ASEAN and good relations with our neighbours for granted, that stability is not a natural state of

affairs, but the result of conscious policy decisionsto seek accommodation and compromiseto

ensure peace and stability in the region (Wong, 2005, pg. 52).


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In the post Cold-War era, ASEAN cooperation has been strengthened with the establishment of

several plans and programmes in tandem with the key pillars of ASEAN (ASEAN Economic

Community, ASEAN Socio-cultural Community & ASEAN Security Community) that have bore fruit

including ASEAN Tourism (the branding of ASEAN as a single tourism region), the signing of theTreaty on the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone and the establishment ASEAN Free Trade

Area (AFTA) in January 1992 (see Appendix C).

2003 saw ASEAN Leaders coming together, resolving that an ASEAN Community shall be

established comprising three pillars: the ASEAN Security Community, ASEAN Economic

CommunityandASEAN Socio-Cultural Community.

Outside the European Union, ASEAN has remained as one of the strongest associations of nations

representing a successful form of regional cooperation. In the UN, ASEAN has played an important

role in strengthening and safeguarding the consolidated position and varied interests of its

Member Countries. This unique position of this entity has since been further recognised by the

international community 4th December 2006 marked the day ASEAN was accorded with United

Nations (UN) Observer Status by the United Nations (UN), supported by over 70 countries in the

General Assembly (ASEAN Secretariat, 2006).


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Rationale

The ASEAN Vision 2020, adopted by the ASEAN Leaders on the 30th Anniversary of ASEAN, agreed

on the vision proposed of a concert of Southeast Asian nations, outward looking, living in

peace, stability and prosperity, bonded together in partnership in dynamic development and ina community of caring societies (ASEAN Secretariat, 2006).

In tandem with the ASEAN Vision 2020, Model ASEAN aims to replicate the workings of ASEAN, the

cooperation between Member Countries, as well as recognise the contributions which this

association has made to the progress of the South East Asian region and presenting itself as a

consolidated association of regional countries on the world stage. At the same time, it aims to

simulate real-world workings of diplomacy and negotiation.

Model ASEAN aims to observe the existing Fundamental Principles adopted by existing ASEAN

nations (ASEAN Secretariat, 2006), which are as follow:

mutual respect for the independence, sovereignty, equality, territorial integrity, and nationalidentity of all nations;

the right of every State to lead its national existence free from external interference,subversion or coercion;

non-interference in the internal affairs of one another;

settlement of differences or disputes by peaceful manner;

renunciation of the threat or use of force; and

effective cooperation among themselves


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The 7th MAS Secretariat


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Summit Flow

The Structure of the Model ASEAN Summit

The Hwa Chong Model ASEAN Summit is a simulation of the ASEAN Summit and, it modelsitself after the real-world workings of ASEAN at different official levels Work Group, Director-General, Senior Official, Ministerial and, last but not least, the leaders level. The 7th ModelASEAN Summit will address issues from 5 main committees- Economics, Human Rights,Environment, Peace and Security and Special Committee.

A group of 12 delegates attending the summit will represent one member country andeach member country is represented by two delegates in each of the communities. Delegates willrole-play diverse subsets of a real ASEAN Summit.

The summit will kick off with the ministers of each community coming together for apre-summit retreat. Delegates will then role play members of the work group and engage in thedrafting of the declarations. Upon completion of the Declaration, delegates will role-playDirector-Generals and move to a different community, tackling different issues together. Theywill build on what the work group has achieved and come to a consensus if possible. Followingthat, delegates will assume the role of Senior Officials and work on other issues in anothercommunity before moving on as ministers who will sign the Declarations. The meetings willculminate into the ASEAN Summit which would involve a roundtable, formal discussion betweenthe Heads of State and the ASEAN Secretariat. In a nutshell, delegates will get to experience thereal-world workings of ASEAN at every official level, however, with different issues to tackle.

PRE-SUMMIT

Information Paper and Agenda

Before the summit, each member country would have received the information paper,

detailing the background of the issues at hand. The agenda of the meeting would also have beensent out by the Model ASEAN Secretariat. Member Countries are to prepare draft positions papersfor different issues based on their national interest. This is to be submitted to the Model ASEANSecretariat but it will not be disclosed. Each member country will also receive a countryparameter with respect to each community.

National Assembly

The National Assembly would be a time for nations to determine their countrys stand.Countries are to use the time to come up with their Position Papers and Draft Declarations for all5 committees. Delegates are expected to use their time wisely and consolidate the knowledgeand experiences of one another in the team to discuss these documents.


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DURING THE SUMMIT

Position Paper and Declaration

During the summit, delegates will participate in workshops which will impart skills and

tips essential in drafting position papers and declarations. Delegates will work collectively as anation on their position papers and declarations after each days proceedings.

Debate Sessions

Delegates will engage in debate on the draft declarations throughout the summit. Thedebate will start off with the ministerial retreat, followed by the work-group level, director-general level, ministerial signing ceremony and finishes with the summit proper.

Notes:


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Guide to Position Paper

A position paper briefly outlines the national interest of the member country. It provides anoverview of the delegates stand on various issues on the agenda of each Community. The

position paper also indicates to the Model ASEAN Summit (MAS) Secretariat of the delegationsreadiness for the Summit. However, the most important rationale is to serve as an importantreminder to the delegation of their countrys stand on various issues.

Every member country is to submit a position paper for each of the Community prior to theSummit.

Points to note for building your position paper:

a. Each position paper is to be kept at a minimum length of 1 page and a maximum lengthof 2 pages, in Times New Roman at a 10 point font size, and single-space.

b. Layout of position paper:

Name of country you are representing: Top left corner.

Name of your school: Top right corner.(It is not necessary to put your name anywhere as you will be recognised as a delegate ofyour represented country throughout the summit.)

Name of your community: At centre and underlined.

The following sentence is to be used in every single position paper as an opening statement:

The issues before (your community name) are: (list all topics to be discussed in theposition paper).

The actual body of the paper on each topic should contain the following:

The number of the topic. The topic area should be in bold and underlined.

A general sentence clearly stating the countrys position (e.g. The Republic of Singapore stronglybelieves that security . . . ).

An elaboration of the position (e.g. may use quotes from past agreements, from ASEAN Charter, orany other international documents relevant to the topic).

References to the member countrys past experiences with regards to the issue at hand.

Your member countrys current policies toward each of issues. If your countrys policies havechanged over time, explain why this has occurred.

Your states proposed solutions to the problems for issues.

Conclusion restate the countrys position on the topic.

c. Do not use the first person address in your paper. Use expressions such as ourgovernment, our country, or the name of your country, etc.


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Guide to Declaration

HeadingThe date is written towards the left followed by the title in bold.

BodyThe declaration is written in the form of a long sentence. Just as grammatical rules make alanguage more uniform in its usage, so is the declaration in its format.

The declaration consists of clauses with the first clause in bold.

The next section comprises the Preambulatory Clauses, which describes the problem that is beingaddressed, recalls past actions taken, explains the purpose of the declaration, and offers supportfor the operative clauses that follows. Each clause in the preamble begins with an underlinedword and ends with a comma.

Operative Clauses are numbered and state the action to be taken by the body. All of theseclauses begin with present tense, active verbs, which are generally stronger than those used in

the Preamble. Each operative clause is followed by a semicolon except the last, which ends witha period.

EndingThe declaration ends with the signatures of the Heads of State.

Declaration Introductory PhrasesThe following tables indicate phrases that are suitable for beginning preambulatory andoperative clauses, and are not exhaustive.


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PREAMBULATORY CLAUSES

Affirming Expecting Keeping in mind

Alarmed by Expressing its appreciation Noting further

Approving Expressing its satisfaction Noting with regret

Aware of Fulfilling Noting with satisfaction

Believing Fully aware Noting with deep concernBearing in mind Fully alarmed Noting with approval

Cognizant of Fully believing Observing

Confident Further deploring Realizing

Contemplating Further recalling Reaffirming

Convinced Guided by Recalling

Declaring Having adopted Recognizing

Deeply concerned Having considered Referring

Deeply conscious Having considered further Seeking

Deeply convinced Having devoted attention Taking into account

Deeply disturbed Having examined Taking note

Deeply regretting Having heard Viewing with appreciation

Desiring Having received WelcomingEmphasizing Having studied

OPERATIVE CLAUSES

Sample Declaration

DONE in Singapore, this Twentieth Day of November in the Year Two Thousand and Seven.Declaration Courtesy of Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Singapore

ASEAN Declaration on Environmental Sustainability

WE, the Heads of State/Government of Brunei Darussalam, the Kingdom of Cambodia, the R

Accepts Deplores Further recommends Resolves

Affirms Draws attention Further requests Solemnly affirms

Approves Designates Further resolves Strongly condemns

Authorizes Emphasizes Has resolved Supports

Calls for Encourages Notes Takes note of

Calls upon Endorses Proclaims Trusts

Condemns Expresses its appreciation Reaffirms Urges

Congratulates Expresses its hope RecommendsConfirms Further invites Reminds

Considers Further proclaims Regrets

Declares accordingly Further remind Requests


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public of Indonesia, the Lao People's Democratic Republic, Malaysia, the Union of Myanmar,the Republic of the Philippines, the Republic of Singapore, the Kingdom of Thailand and theSocialist Republic of Vietnam, Member Countries of ASEAN, on the occasion of the 40th An-niversary of ASEAN and the 13th ASEAN Summit in Singapore;

Cognizant of mounting global concern over the environment and ASEANs obligations to itspeople in fulfilling the aims of the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) and toachieve the UN Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), in particular to ensure environmentsustainability in the context of sustainable development;

Notingwith concern the findings of the Inter-governmental Panel on Climate Changes (IPCFourth Assessment Report (AR4) that the warming of the climate system is unequivocal;

Further noting with concern, the adverse impacts of climate change caused by global emisions of greenhouse gases, particularly to the developing countries, such as the loss of biod

versity and severe environmental, social, health and economic consequences;

Encouraging the efforts to develop an ASEAN Climate Change Initiative;

HEREBY DECLARE:

1. To call upon the international community to participate in and contribute to afforestation areforestation, and to reduce deforestation, forest degradation, and forest fires, including bpromoting sustainable forest management and development, and combating illegal logging;

2. To call on the international community to implement debt-for-sustainable development swaarrangements;

3.To intensify cooperation on the joint research, development and deployment of low emissiotechnologies for the cleaner use of fossil fuels, recognising that fossil fuels will continue to pa major role in our energy mix;

4. To achieve by 2010, a significant reduction in the current rate of loss of biodiversity, aspledged by countries at the WSSD in 2002 and as envisaged by the Convention on BiologicalDiversity;

5. To support the conservation and management of ASEAN Heritage Parks and encourage ASEAMember Countries to identify more Parks;

6. To ensure the effective implementation of the ASEAN Strategic Plan on Water ResourcesManagement.

7.

Parliamentary Procedure

COMMITTEE RULES OF PROCEDURE

General Rules


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1. LANGUAGE: English will be the official and working language of the throughout

proceedings of the entire summit.

2. DELEGATION: Each member country will be represented by 12 delegates.

3. STATEMENT BY THE SECRETARIAT: The Model ASEAN Secretariat may at any point in time

make either written or oral statements to the communities and meetings.

4. GENERAL POWERS OF THE COMMUNITY STAFF: The Chairman of each Community willdeclare the opening and closing of each dialogue, be it informal or formal. TheChairman, subject to these rules, will have complete control over the proceedings at anymeeting. The Chairman will direct discussions, accord the right to speak, ask questions,announce decisions, and ensure and enforce the observance of these rules. The Chairmanmay temporarily transfer his duties to another member of the Community staff, e.g. TheVice-Chairman.

5. QUORUM: The Chairman can only declare a Community open and permit dialogue sessionsto proceed when all members of the Community are present.

6. COURTESY: Delegates will show courtesy and respect to the Community staff and toother delegates. The Chairman possesses the right to disqualify any delegate who fails tocomply with this rule.

Rules of Parliamentary Procedure

7. SPEAKERS LIST: The Chairman will establish a Speakers List. Delegates who wish to speakmay put their name on the Speakers List, and they will be accorded the right to speak inthe sequence reflected in the Speakers List.

8. TIME LIMIT ON SPEECHES: The Chairman may limit the time allotted to each speaker. Theminimum time limit will be two minutes.

9. COMMENTS: After a delegate has made a speech, other delegates will have the right tocomment on the speech made. The Chairman will decide the time limit for comments.Delegates can show their support for the speaker, oppose what the speaker has said orprovide constructive feedback through the comments made. After all comments havebeen made, the speaker will have a total time of 2 minutes to respond to the commentsmade.

10. FORMAL DIALOGUE: Formal Dialogue would refer to the normal proceedings, with theChairman facilitating the discussion. Dialogue at all times would be formal unless thecommittee enters informal dialogue, with the approval of the Chairman.

11. INFORMAL DIALOGUE: The purpose of informal dialogue is to facilitate substantivediscussions at critical junctures in the proceedings. During an informal dialogue, theChairman may choose to break the Community into smaller groups e.g. by their nationalinterest on a particular issue. Delegates should make use of this time to strengthen theirblocs and to clarify any doubts among themselves, so that they can present a unitedfront at the proceedings. Delegates should also utilize this time to negotiate with the


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other bloc, such that a consensus can eventually be reached. A delegate can call forinformal dialogue at any point in time during formal dialogue, but the delegate callingfor it must briefly explain its purpose and propose a time limit for it, not to exceedfifteen minutes. Once called for, the motion will be voted on and a consensus must bereached for informal dialogue to take place. After informal dialogue has ended, aspeakers list will be drawn up for the delegates to share what has been discussed during

the informal dialogue. The Chairman will decide on the time limit of the speeches to bemade.

12. PERSONAL PRIVILEGE: Whenever a delegate experiences personal discomfort whichimpairs his or her ability to participate actively in the proceedings, he or she may raisehis or her placard to inform the Chairman of his or her discomfort, and thereby requestfor it to be corrected. Delegates experiencing discomfort may interrupt a speaker oreven the Chairman. Delegates should use this power with the utmost discretion and notabuse it.

13. PARLIAMENTARY INQUIRY: A delegate who is unclear of the rules of procedure shouldapproach the Community staff during informal dialogue to seek clarification on theirdoubts. Delegates should bear in mind that they are not to interrupt a speaker wheninquiring about the rules of procedure.

14. INTRODUCING DECLARATION: Any delegation can submit their Declaration for use as thebasis for a Joint Declaration. Once a declaration has been approved as stipulated aboveand has been copied and distributed, a delegate may rise to introduce the Declarations.The Chair will decide on the time limit for the speaker introducing the declaration.

15. AMENDMENTS: Delegates may amend the declaration that has been introduced.Amendments to amendments are out of order; however, an amended part of adeclaration may be further amended. Amendments require a consensus to be passed.

16. CONSENSUS: A consensus must be reached for any motion.

17. NOTE PASSING: Note passing will be allowed among delegates during all meetings. Note

passing will not be restricted within the country and community, and should be widelyused to communicate discreetly and effectively among delegates.


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Acknowledgements

The 7th HCI Model ASEAN Secretariat 2010 would like to thank:

Ministry of Education, Singapore for their generous sponsorship of this event;

ASEAN Directorate, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, for their support and advice;

Our Principal, Dr Hon Chiew Weng, for his invaluable advice and unwavering support during the course ofthis event;

Our Deputy Principles, Miss Yeo Hwee Joo and Mr Chung Wen Chee for their timely advice and constantwords of encouragement;

Our Dean of Student Care, Mr Ng Seaw Choon, for his foresight in formulating the concept for theinaugural HC Model ASEAN Summit and his invaluable advice to ensure the smooth running of the event,

Our Resource Person for MAS 2010, Mrs Chan Shu Hwee, for her help and encouragement throughout theplanning stages and the actual event;

Our Teacher Advisors, Ms Yeo Siok Ee, Mr Russell Corr and Mr Lim Hong Chin, for their invaluable advice,assistance and tremendous amount of legwork in running the event;

The Principals, Heads of Department, Teacher Advisors and students from the participating schools fortheir active support and participation which has gone a long way towards enriching the 7th HCMASSummit;

Mr Huang Guang Di and Mr Paul Goh for their invaluable help in IT related matters;

Mr Desmond Tan, Ms Angie Ng and the Mediatech Team for providing AVA equipment and technicalsupport;

Mr Tony Siow for his timely and prompt assistance in logistics matters;

Mr Lee Teck Kong and Mr Tan Choo Kee for their efficiency in helping us to shortlist HCI candidates forthis sabbatical;

HCI Estate Department for the upkeep of the facilities;

All others who have helped in the organization of the summit.

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