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Title:	Public opinion of regional cooperation and the formation of the Asean community : a comparative study in Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore
Authors:	Guido Benny (P48998)
Supervisor:	Mohd. Kamarulnizam bin Abdullah, Prof. Dr.
Keywords:	Public opinion Regional cooperation Formation Asean Community Comparative study Malaysia Indonesia Singapore Cooperative societies -- Southeast Asia
Issue Date:	13-Dec-2012
Description:	The study examines public opinions on the formation of ASEAN Community in Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore. It argues that the Southeast Asian regionalism initiatives need to be more attentive to public opinions and give more rooms for public involvements as it may become the agents influential for the social-construction of ASEAN Community. This quantitative study is guided by six objectives; firstly, to discuss and analyze public knowledge, perceptions and awareness on ASEAN Community. Secondly, the study examines the public attitudes, opinions, and aspiration towards the formation of ASEAN Community. Thirdly, the study analyses the extent of nationalism sentiments, cultural identities and perceptions on regional identities. Fourthly, the study examines the perceived obstacles for the formation of this regional integration. Fifthly, the study discusses the perceived impacts of ASEAN Community on national sovereignty, national security and national identities. Finally, the study discusses the impact of public opinion on the pace and direction of ASEAN Community building. Primary sources of research data derived from the surveys conducted in eleven cities in these three countries. The study reveals several findings; firstly, the respondents indicated significant awareness about ASEAN, they considered it relevant and important to their country and the region. However, they lacked the awareness regarding the ASEAN Community. Secondly, the respondents displayed positive attitudes and support for the ASEAN Community process, but their aspirations appeared to be different from the European regionalism. Thirdly, there were strong nationalism sentiments and national identities - however, their regional identities were weak. Fourthly, respondents indicated strong agreement on the ten proposed obstacles for establishing ASEAN Community. Fifthly, most of the respondents perceived that the formation of ASEAN Community would not affect the national sovereignty, security and identities of their countries respectively. Several implications can be inferred from the study; firstly, national governments should put extra efforts to prepare the public by intensively socializing the idea of regional integration. Secondly, regular public opinion surveys and specific strategies need to be revealed and influence the true aspiration and attitudes of the public in the region. Thirdly, national governments should address the issue of nationalism sentiments and formulate specific measures to neutralize excessive nationalism. Fourthly, the ASEAN values should be specified to address the question of regional identities. Fifthly, public's perceived obstacles should be given sufficient attention and be solved. Sixthly, to integrate further, the region needs several transfer of sovereignty from the national governments to the supra-national institution; otherwise, ASEAN will ever be a casual regional cooperation in terms of political and socio-cultural community. Seventhly, perception that threats would come from neighbouring countries need to be neutralized by effective strategies. Finally, the study suggests that future studies to be conducted in ten ASEAN countries by using different types of questions, sampling procedures, and methods of analysis. Future studies can also be conducted by involving other variables of the public opinion on regionalization, regionalism or regional security.,Ph.D
Pages:	362
Call Number:	HD3541.A4.B446 2012
Publisher:	UKM, Bangi
Appears in Collections:	Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities / Fakulti Sains Sosial dan Kemanusiaan

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