Instead of facilitating outside help, the junta is doing its best to obstruct, though its own resources are patently inadequate to deal with the catastrophe. Visas are not expedited for the many humanitarian personnel anxious to rush help to the survivors. In the immediate aftermath, monks were seen helping, not soldiers (they are only quick to suppress demonstrations). The junta refused to postpone a referendum on the new Constitution, despite the indescribable misery. Where is the priority?

Cyclone Nargis has offered further damning evidence that the ruling clique has been perverse, criminal towards its own people and disrespectful to its Asean neighbours, who have protected it from international pressure. Constructive engagement, quiet diplomacy and gentle nudges have had no influence on the regime, nor has membership of Asean resulted in a modicum of responsible governance.

It is time those Asean countries with vaunted values and principles stopped their back-slapping chumminess with the regime. It is time to keep a distance. It is time to show moral courage against this persistent affront to basic decency. It is time to change this amoral, mainly-business approach.

Finally, it is time to review Myanmar's membership of Asean. Membership presupposes some basic common values.

Tan Chak Lim