FM Mohamad To Lead ASEAN Visit To Myanmar On Sept 19
Mohamad said the delegation, which includes his counterparts from Thailand, the Philippines and Indonesia, will check on the situation under the new administration following the dissolution of the junta government and the end of the state of emergency.
'Previously, they (Thailand, the Philippines and Indonesia) went separately, but we are practising unity. We're also bringing the Philippines because they will chair ASEAN in 2026.
'We want continuity so that the incoming Chair knows what needs to be done and what actions to take. It should not be disjointed. We will continue and build upon what we've done,' he said.
He was speaking to the media after the 58th ASEAN Day celebration, which was officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim here today.
Mohamad said Myanmar must act on the commitments it has made, particularly by extending and expanding the ceasefire.
'I will go there, most likely on the proposed date of Sept 19, ahead of the 47th ASEAN Summit in October,' he said.
Mohamad noted that Myanmar had announced plans to hold a general election, and that the decision to cancel or not extend the state of emergency was made in accordance with its Constitution.
However, he wants clarification on whether the election would be implemented comprehensively, as 63 towns or areas are still under emergency rule imposed by Myanmar's National Defence and Security Council (NDSC).
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