The institutional thrust
The ASEAN Secretary General
Currently, Article 11 of the Charter describes the power of the ASEAN Secretary
General as merely that of a 'Chief Administrative Officer', holding office 'at the
pleasure of the Heads of State or Government'. Whilst, the ASEAN Secretary
General can in theory make recommendations, his power in practice is primarily
restricted to managing, administering, and implementing Summit decisions
made at the ASEAN Summit. The power to decide lies with the respective heads
of state/government of member states at the Summit level.