SHAH ALAM, June 25 — Malaysia will continue engaging with Myanmar to maintain communication channels and support ASEAN-led efforts to resolve the crisis, said Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.
Mohamad said Malaysia’s engagement with Myanmar is aimed at encouraging progress towards peace and a solution to the ongoing crisis, while allowing ASEAN to maintain its role in facilitating the process.
“We do not want Myanmar to be further isolated,” he added. “We must continue our relationship and dialogue with Myanmar, and ensure our communication remains open because we do not want a vacuum that could be filled by parties with interests that may further complicate the situation.”
Mohamad was responding to a question from William Leong Jee Ken (Harapan-Selayang) about Malaysia’s foreign policy on Myanmar and the progress of the ASEAN Five-Point Consensus (5PC).
Mohamad said his visit to Naypyidaw on May 19, where he met newly appointed Foreign Minister Tin Maung Swe, was undertaken following ASEAN leaders’ decision for foreign ministers to conduct informal engagements with Myanmar.
He added that the meeting was called to assess developments in Myanmar and convey views from ASEAN leaders on the crisis.
Among the issues discussed were Myanmar’s post-election political developments, progress in implementing the 5PC, proposals for an inclusive dialogue involving all stakeholders, and how ASEAN could hlep Myanmar achieve lasting peace and national reconciliation.
“I saw that Myanmar this time is more open to the suggestions put forward compared with our previous interactions when Malaysia was the ASEAN chair last year,” he said, adding that Malaysia has been engaging with various stakeholders in Myanmar to support an inclusive approach.
“Engagement with Myanmar, although informal, is important to ensure ASEAN does not lose its main role in helping Myanmar, while maintaining and avoiding interference from external powers in Myanmar.
“The approach taken is pragmatic and comprehensive to support ASEAN’s role in continuing to lead efforts to facilitate a solution in Myanmar,” he noted.
Mohamad said Malaysia will continue encouraging all parties in Myanmar, including the authorities, the National Unity Government, People’s Defence Forces, and ethnic armed organisations, to cease violence and support peace efforts.
