Who among the following was not one of the founders of ASEAN?

Question

Accepted Answer

The correct option is 2:
The correct answer is Sukarno because he was not in power and did not participate in the founding of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in August 1967. ASEAN was established with the signing of the Bangkok Declaration by five founding member states: Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand. The leaders who signed this declaration are often referred to as the Founding Fathers of ASEAN. Sukarno, who was the first President of Indonesia and a pivotal figure in the non-aligned movement, had been politically sidelined and his power dissolved between 1966 and 1967, replaced by General Suharto. Consequently, the Indonesian representative who signed the declaration was the then Foreign Minister, Adam Malik, not Sukarno. The establishment of ASEAN marked a significant shift towards regional cooperation, moving past the intense geopolitical conflicts, particularly the confrontation (Konfrontasi) between Indonesia and Malaysia that Sukarno had championed.

The incorrect option is 1:
Narciso Ramos was one of the Founding Fathers of ASEAN. He served as the Foreign Secretary of the Philippines at the time of the Bangkok Declaration's signing on August 8, 1967. Ramos represented the Philippines during this historic moment, committing his nation to the new path of regional cooperation and solidarity. His participation was crucial in establishing the initial framework for regional stability and economic growth that ASEAN sought to achieve.

The incorrect option is 3:
Thanat Khoman was also one of the Founding Fathers of ASEAN. He was the Foreign Minister of Thailand in 1967 and played a central role in organizing the foundational meeting in Bangkok. Thailand hosted the discussions and the eventual signing ceremony, making Khoman an instrumental figure in facilitating the agreement. His efforts were key in bridging the differences between the other four founding nations and establishing the initial principles of non-interference and peaceful coexistence that define the organization.

The incorrect option is 4:
Adam Malik was the Foreign Minister of Indonesia and a key Founding Father of ASEAN. Following the transition of power in Indonesia, Malik represented his country at the Bangkok meeting and signed the Declaration. His leadership signaled Indonesia's pivot from the confrontational foreign policy of the Sukarno era toward a policy emphasizing regional stability and mutual economic development, which was essential for the successful launch of ASEAN.