KUALA LUMPUR, May 25 — Asean Foreign Ministers have commended Malaysia’s proactive role in reviving efforts to implement the Five-Point Consensus (5PC) and facilitating constructive dialogue to address the ongoing crisis in Myanmar.
Philippine Foreign Secretary Enrique A. Manalo said both the informal and extended informal consultations on the implementation of the 5PC, held yesterday ahead of the 46th Asean Summit at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, proceeded smoothly.
“The consultations went very well. We reaffirmed our commitment to the 5PC and agreed that Asean will continue working hard.
“We congratulated Malaysia on its efforts so far to bring some kind of process moving forward so that perhaps there could be some real dialogue between the opposing factions,” he told Bernama and TV3 after attending the consultations.
Lao Foreign Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane also expressed appreciation for Malaysia’s bold and proactive approach in addressing the Myanmar issue, saying Asean remains actively engaged in efforts to pursue peace in the country.
When asked about Timor-Leste’s bid to join Asean, Thongsavanh said it is not within his purview to decide, but added that “continued engagement will be key”, and he believes Asean remained supportive of Timor-Leste’s full membership.
Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa, on the other hand, praised Malaysia’s leadership, saying he “would like to give credit to the current chair for taking proactive steps”.
He said Malaysia demonstrated responsibility in addressing the Myanmar issue and ensuring continued engagement through Asean’s processes.
The first informal consultation was attended by the previous, current and incoming Asean chairs — Laos, Malaysia and the Philippines — while the extended informal consultation involved all Asean Foreign Ministers except Myanmar’s.
Both sessions were chaired by Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.
Earlier this month, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim initiated separate dialogues with Myanmar’s junta leader Min Aung Hlaing and the opposition National Unity Government, which marked a significant step towards fostering direct engagement between conflicting parties.
The move has been seen as a potential breakthrough in Asean’s mediation efforts.
The 5PC was adopted by Asean in April 2021 after the military coup in Myanmar on February 1 that year. It calls for an immediate cessation of violence, inclusive dialogue among all parties, the appointment of a special envoy, the delivery of humanitarian aid, and for the envoy to be granted access to all stakeholders in Myanmar.
Despite its significance, implementation of the consensus has largely stalled due to the junta’s continued non-compliance, with the issue remaining a central concern in Asean’s ongoing engagement with Myanmar.
The 46th Asean Summit is being held under Malaysia’s 2025 chairmanship, themed “Inclusivity and Sustainability”. This year marks Malaysia’s fifth time as Asean chair after previous terms in 1977, 1997, 2005 and 2015.
— Bernama
