Migrant crisis poses a test for ASEAN

Analysts say countries find it hard to muster the political will to address regional problem

Southeast Asia's timid diplomacy and a see-no-evil approach to human trafficking are to blame for its boat people influx, and overcoming the crisis will pose a severe test for a region loathe to address divisive issues, according to diplomats and analysts.

In particular, the region has allowed the problem to fester by failing to curb Myanmar's abuse of the migrant Rohingya people, which has sent masses of the Muslim ethnic minority fleeing abroad, they said.