Malaysia to present ‘wish list' to Myanmar govt in bid to resolve crisis
Foreign minister Mohamad Hasan speaking to reporters after chairing an informal consultation on the implementation of the Five-Point Consensus on Myanmar, held in conjunction with the 46th Asean Summit. (Bernama pic)
PETALING JAYA : Malaysia, as Asean chair, is planning to present the junta-led Myanmar government with a 'wish list' as it seeks to find a long-term solution to the ongoing civil war in the country.
Foreign minister Mohamad Hasan said the list was drawn up following discussions with various stakeholders, Bernama reported.
'Now we want to present it to the State Administration Council,' he was quoted as saying, referring to Myanmar's government headed by Gen Min Aung Hlaing.
Myanmar is currently ravaged by a civil war between the ruling junta and a broad-based opposition, which includes numerous armed organisations.
Mohamad said the crisis in Myanmar was not merely an internal matter, but had also affected the stability of the Asean region, including issues related to refugees and cross-border crimes.
He said while Asean did not wish to interfere in Myanmar's internal affairs, the bloc is a 'large family' and had the responsibility to help.
'Myanmar's problem has now become our collective issue,' he said.
Earlier, Mohamad chaired the first informal consultative meeting involving the previous Asean chair (Laos), the current chair (Malaysia) and the incoming chair (the Philippines).
Mohamad said the meeting heard a report presented by the special envoy of the Asean chair on Myanmar, Othman Hashim, regarding the latest developments in the country.
He said Asean remains committed to ensuring that Myanmar adheres to the Five-Point Consensus (5PC) agreed upon by all Asean leaders in 2021.
'This 5PC is simple – cease all violence, initiate inclusive dialogue, allow humanitarian assistance to be delivered without hindrance, appoint an Asean special envoy, and allow the special envoy to meet all parties.
'However, the implementation of this consensus has faced difficulties due to a trust deficit and ethnic conflicts that have persisted for decades in Myanmar,' he said.
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