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Malay Mail
2 days ago
- Business
- Malay Mail
Malaysia's bold diplomacy on Myanmar: From chair to catalyst of Asean peace — Phar Kim Beng
JUNE 1 — As Chair of ASEAN 2025, Malaysia has taken a courageous and long-overdue step in addressing the most intractable humanitarian and strategic crisis in the region: the civil war in Myanmar. By inviting multiple conflict parties from Myanmar — including representatives from the National Unity Government (NUG), Ethnic Armed Organisations (EAOs), and potentially even interlocutors from the Tatmadaw — to Kuala Lumpur for informal dialogue, Malaysia is not only testing the limits of ASEAN diplomacy, but reshaping them. This is a move few dared to contemplate, let alone execute. Since the 2021 coup d'état by Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Myanmar has descended into a vortex of violence, repression, and fragmentation. The country is now a collapsed state in all but name. Over 3.5 million civilians have been displaced. Thousands have been killed, tortured, and imprisoned. Economically, the kyat has collapsed. Politically, the junta's planned elections — absurdly branded as a return to democracy — have no credibility domestically or abroad. Against this grim backdrop, Malaysia's offer of hosting informal consultations in Kuala Lumpur signals a subtle yet substantive shift: it reframes ASEAN's traditionally cautious diplomacy into a more daring, inclusive, and multi-stakeholder engagement strategy. From five-point consensus to 'Kuala Lumpur process'? Since the coup, ASEAN's formal approach has revolved around the Five-Point Consensus (5PC), agreed upon in Jakarta in April 2021. That document — calling for an immediate cessation of violence, inclusive dialogue, humanitarian access, and the appointment of a special envoy — has been flagrantly ignored by the junta. But rather than retreat in despair, Malaysia is innovating within ASEAN's diplomatic space. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's announcement at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on May 31 that Malaysia would convene informal dialogues in KL shows leadership where others have hesitated. Anwar's own past as a prisoner of conscience lends moral weight to his engagement with Myanmar's democratic opposition. Crucially, Malaysia is not excluding anyone. The door is open to all parties — whether armed, exiled, or militarised. This is a notable departure from the regional bloc's earlier focus on only engaging the junta in formal channels, or worse, remaining fixated on the illusion of 'non-interference.' Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (third from right) poses for a group photo with ASEAN leaders at the 46th ASEAN Summit at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. — Bernama pic The strategic logic of Malaysia's engagement Malaysia's approach is underpinned by three strategic logics. First, stability in Myanmar is inseparable from regional security. Conflict in Myanmar has spilled over into its neighbours. Thailand and India have faced refugee inflows. China has suffered attacks on its business interests in Myanmar's border regions. Bangladesh continues to shoulder the burden of Rohingya refugees, with over 1 million still stranded in Cox's Bazar. Malaysia hosts over 100,000 Rohingya and at least 200,000 Myanmar nationals more broadly. Peace in Myanmar is not a moral concern alone; it is a matter of national and regional interest. Second, Malaysia is filling a moral and diplomatic vacuum left by ASEAN. Despite rotating chairmanships, no ASEAN country has yet succeeded in bridging the chasm between the junta and its opponents. Indonesia made valiant efforts in 2023 but was constrained by consensus politics and its own transition of power. The Philippines, preparing for the 2026 chair, has taken a hardline pro-Western view that risks excluding dialogue. Malaysia, situated in the middle ground, offers a balanced yet firm moral position, emphasising democracy and human rights without provoking total rejection from Naypyidaw. Third, Malaysia is proving that ASEAN centrality does not mean ASEAN conformity. The KL dialogue initiative proves that ASEAN members can lead while still respecting the bloc's core principles. This is a lesson in creative diplomacy. Malaysia is not undermining ASEAN consensus but augmenting it with initiative, vision, and action. The convening power of Kuala Lumpur can help translate ASEAN's 5PC from paper to practice, one informal conversation at a time. A shift in diplomatic philosophy This effort marks an important pivot in Malaysia's diplomatic philosophy under Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. Unlike previous administrations that saw diplomacy in transactional or ceremonial terms, Anwar's foreign policy is anchored in what can be called principled pragmatism. It respects geopolitical realities — including the need to maintain dialogue with China, India, and the United States — but also champions the moral imperatives of justice, freedom, and peace. This is not without precedent. Malaysia under Tun Hussein Onn supported Cambodia's coalition government-in-exile in the 1980s. Under Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, it helped broker peace between the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the Philippine government. Under Najib Razak, Malaysia was a signatory to the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro in 2012. What we are witnessing today is the continuation — and elevation — of that tradition. Challenges ahead That said, the risks are real. The junta may see Malaysia's initiative as a threat to its legitimacy. Other ASEAN states may resist turning the informal KL talks into an institutional process. Western donors, keen to isolate the junta entirely, may criticise Malaysia for appearing to 'engage all sides.' But these are manageable tensions. Malaysia has already made clear that the process is suggestive, not binding. The goal is not to supplant ASEAN's 5PC, but to supplement it. Indeed, the invitation to include all stakeholders can be seen as a faithful interpretation of the 5PC's call for 'inclusive dialogue.' What is most important is that the voices of the victims — the Rohingya, the displaced, the political prisoners, the ethnic minorities — are finally heard and empowered in a process where they are no longer objects of negotiation, but agents of peace. The way forward Looking ahead, Malaysia should take three further steps to consolidate this bold initiative: Institutionalise the KL dialogues as an annual track 1.5 platform under the auspices of a semi-official regional think tank. Expand participation to include Myanmar civil society, regional faith leaders, and international humanitarian organisations such as the ICRC and Médecins Sans Frontières. 3Propose to ASEAN a rotating 'Friends of Myanmar' caucus, similar to the Friends of the Mekong, that includes ASEAN members, the EU, and countries like Japan and Qatar — who have shown interest in mediation. Malaysia has turned ASEAN chairmanship from a ceremonial stewardship into a platform for real diplomacy. By inviting all parties in Myanmar's crisis for dialogue in Kuala Lumpur, it is showing what leadership looks like in a divided and disoriented region. There are no guarantees. But in diplomacy, boldness often counts more than certainty. If peace in Myanmar is ever to be achieved, it will be because someone dared to act while others remained spectators. Malaysia has just made that move. Let the dialogue in Kuala Lumpur be remembered not as a footnote, but as a foundation. * Phar Kim Beng is a professor of ASEAN Studies, International Islamic University Malaysia. * This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail.
New Straits Times
4 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Asean leaders fortify unity amid growing global challenges
KUALA LUMPUR: The 46th Asean Summit, under Malaysia's chairmanship, has reaffirmed the bloc's commitment to navigating an increasingly complex global landscape, championing unity, economic resilience and principled diplomacy. As the curtains closed on the summit, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim underscored the leaders' resolve to confront mounting geopolitical and economic pressures from the humanitarian crisis in Gaza to the intensifying strategic competition between global powers. Anwar emphasised that Asean must act with a collective voice, grounded in multilateralism and inclusive decision-making. Under Malaysia's chairmanship, one of the most notable institutional developments was the reaffirmation that Timor-Leste's accession to Asean is firmly on track, with full membership expected by October. In his closing press conference, Anwar reiterated Malaysia's strong support for Timor-Leste's integration, pledging that the bloc would do "whatever necessary" to facilitate the process under the Asean Foreign Ministers' framework. The summit also addressed the prolonged Myanmar crisis, with Asean leaders agreeing to push for an expanded nationwide ceasefire as a necessary precursor to inclusive political dialogue. Anwar, who recently engaged both Myanmar's junta chief Min Aung Hlaing and the opposition National Unity Government, said Asean remained a neutral platform for trust-building and eventual reconciliation. One of the summit highlights was the adoption of the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on Asean 2025 and Beyond, a long-term strategic framework aimed at reinforcing Asean centrality and enhancing the bloc's role on the global stage. The declaration envisions a more assertive and responsive Asean in addressing regional concerns like the South China Sea and the Myanmar conflict. Nusantara Academy for Strategic Research senior fellow Dr Azmi Hassan described the declaration as Malaysia's signal that Asean must evolve to stay relevant. "The two main strategies are to increase Asean's involvement globally and reinforce the centrality concept. "This includes staying neutral, especially in great power rivalries and trade conflicts, and being more proactive in shaping the global discourse," he said. While the KL Declaration outlines a 20-year vision, Azmi believes its key goals are achievable within the next three to four years, depending on the direction set by future Asean chairs. "Even as the Philippines takes over the chairmanship next year, Malaysia wants to remain in the pilot seat," he added. On the economic front, the summit produced a strong regional response to the United States' retaliatory tariffs, which target Asean exports with duties ranging from 10 to 49 per cent. Anwar made it clear that unilateral trade actions threatened global economic stability and undermined Asean's commitment to fair and open trade. He confirmed that the bloc would pursue engagement with Washington through diplomatic channels, favouring cooperation over confrontation. As such, any decisions made in regards to the tariffs should not be made to the detriment of other member countries. In a major diplomatic breakthrough, the summit also hosted the inaugural trilateral meeting between Asean, China and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). This, in itself, was a coup of sorts, as Anwar described the gathering attended by Chinese Premier Li Qiang as a strategic milestone and a testament to Asean's growing convening power. This summit was apart from the Asean-GCC Summit, held for only the second time. Anwar said the spirit of Asean centrality remains critical to regional cooperation. The Asean-GCC-China Summit also saw a united call by Asean, China and the GCC for an immediate and lasting ceasefire in Gaza. It condemned attacks on civilians and demanded full humanitarian access, including the restoration of essential services such as water, electricity, food, fuel and medicine. In his closing press conference, Anwar said the summit represented one of the most substantive milestones in Asean's history. He added that the summit had successfully achieved its objectives, attributing the outcome to the strong support and unity among Asean leaders, as well as the bloc's first meaningful simultaneous engagement with the GCC and China. He also said Malaysia's chairmanship would continue to focus on building a more inclusive, sustainable, and resilient Asean, in line with the bloc's long-term vision.
Barnama
5 days ago
- Politics
- Barnama
ASEAN-led Approach Vital To Myanmar's Peace, Says Thai Foreign Minister
He said ASEAN must continue its constructive engagement with Myanmar, noting that efforts spearheaded by Thailand, and Malaysia as ASEAN Chair 2025, have led to significant breakthrough despite the slow pace of mediation process with the junta. KUALA LUMPUR, May 29 (Bernama) -- Thailand's Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa emphasised that sustained, inclusive, and ASEAN-led mechanisms are crucial and must remain central in all diplomatic efforts to resolving the quagmire in Myanmar. The minister saw recent crackdowns on online scam syndicates operating in Myanmar and the aftermath of a recent earthquake as starting points to strengthen such negotiations. 'Thailand is trying to change the mindset, from a negative (perception) into positive collaboration,' he told Bernama in a special interview on the sideline of the 46th ASEAN Summit and related summits in the capital. He said Thailand has taken a constructive approach on Myanmar by engaging in meaningful dialogues. Maris highlighted a recent breakthrough in the mediation process that demonstrated ASEAN's resolve under Malaysia's leadership. 'This is the beginning of a platform where Myanmar and neighbouring countries can exchange ideas and work together to tackle such issues,' he said. 'Transnational crime is a major concern for Myanmar's neighbours, and addressing it requires active cooperation from Myanmar. He highlighted the participation of Myanmar Foreign Minister U Than Swe in a virtual emergency meeting of ASEAN foreign ministers, chaired by Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, in response to the earthquake. It marked the first time a Myanmar political leader participated in the regional bloc's meeting since the 2021 coup. Following the meeting, Mohamed and Maris jointly led a humanitarian mission to Nay Pyi Taw to assess the post-quake situation, where they also consulted with Chairman of Myanmar's State Administration Council (SAC), Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and Than Shwe. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim also initiated a meeting with Aung Hlaing and held an online dialogue with the National Unity Government Prime Minister Mahn Winn Khaing Thann during his visit to Bangkok in April, marking a significant step towards fostering direct engagement between the conflicting parties. 'All these efforts are taken under the name of ASEAN. This is a breakthrough. We should keep this momentum, (open) opportunities for Myanmar to talk to us (ASEAN) constructively in order to bring about a durable solution in an ASEAN way,' Maris said. 'Of course, the problem has long history of difficulties, but I believe that this is the very beginning. It will take time, but we are hopeful that the positive outcome will emerge," he added. A military coup on February 1, 2021 ousted the democratically elected National Unity Government led by Aung San Suu Kyi and plunged the country, which was already embroiled in decades of turmoil, into deeper unrest. Over 6,000 lives have been reported lost to this ongoing armed conflict. A devastating earthquake on March 28, 2025, aggravated the crisis and prompted the junta to extend ceasefire until May 31 to facilitate relief efforts. For their part, ASEAN leaders have adopted a Five-Point Consensus (5PC) in April 2021 after the military coup to serve as primary framework to resolve the crisis. The consensus calls for an immediate cessation of violence, inclusive dialogue among all parties, the appointment of a special envoy, the delivery of humanitarian assistance, 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 major concern in ASEAN's ongoing engagement with Myanmar. As the result, Myanmar leaders are barred from ASEAN summits and ministerial-levels meetings, with the country represented only by non-political officials. ASEAN leaders have repeatedly urged Myanmar to recommit to the 5PC, reiterating that the framework remains the central reference to restore peace and stability. Mohamad emphasised that full compliance with the 5PC is a prerequisite for holding elections in Myanmar, consistent with ASEAN's position that such discussions can only proceed after the consensus has been implemented. Mohamad said he planned to visit Myanmar to formally present a 'wish list' gathered from various stakeholders to the SAC. -- BERNAMA BERNAMA provides up-to-date authentic and comprehensive news and information which are disseminated via BERNAMA Wires; BERNAMA TV on Astro 502, unifi TV 631 and MYTV 121 channels and BERNAMA Radio on FM93.9 (Klang Valley), FM107.5 (Johor Bahru), FM107.9 (Kota Kinabalu) and FM100.9 (Kuching) frequencies. Follow us on social media : Facebook : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatv, @bernamaradio Twitter : @ @BernamaTV, @bernamaradio Instagram : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatvofficial, @bernamaradioofficial TikTok : @bernamaofficial
Free Malaysia Today
7 days ago
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Invoke ILO's Article 33 to pressure Myanmar junta, says Kuching MP
Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii said Malaysia must help strengthen the 'fragile bridge' of dialogue Asean has built between the junta and Myanmar's National Unity Government. PETALING JAYA : Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii has urged Asean to seriously consider invoking Article 33 of the International Labour Organization's (ILO) constitution to pressure Myanmar's junta, calling it a peaceful but firm step to protect the country's workers. Speaking at a forum on Myanmar at Universiti Malaya, he said while Asean's five-point consensus (5PC) was a helpful framework, it meant little if one side refused to follow it. 'We cannot ignore the fact that the junta continues to defy it. Agreements are only as effective as the parties willing to uphold them. 'Article 33 must be considered a last-resort, peaceful tool. Not a sanction, but a targeted labour measure to isolate the junta while protecting Myanmar's workers. 'It is not an economic embargo. Myanmar's own trade unions and employers support the resolution, which is significant,' he said at a forum today. Last used in 2000 against Myanmar due to widespread forced labour, Article 33 allows member states to act together against a country that keeps violating workers' rights and ignores ILO decisions. The 5PC calls for an immediate end to violence, the delivery of humanitarian assistance, dialogue among all parties, the appointment of a special envoy to Myanmar, and the envoy's direct engagement with all stakeholders. Yii said the ILO resolution would still allow the delivery of humanitarian aid while sending a clear message that the junta's actions were not acceptable. 'This is not about punishing Myanmar, but about protecting its workers from forced labour, modern slavery, and repression,' he said. Yii added that Asean now had a 'fragile bridge' of dialogue between the junta and Myanmar's National Unity Government, urging Malaysia to help strengthen that engagement. Malaysia is currently Asean's appointed special envoy to Myanmar and recently helped facilitate talks with both sides, mainly for the delivery of aid after the deadly earthquake in March. However, Yii said these talks did not mean that Malaysia recognised the junta as Myanmar's legitimate government.
Malay Mail
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Anwar hails ‘significant' engagement on Myanmar as South-east Asian leaders meet
KUALA LUMPUR, May 26 — Malaysia's Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today hailed 'significant' steps to engage warring sides in Myanmar, as South-east Asian leaders met for talks to address the protracted conflict and offset global trade uncertainty from US President Donald Trump's tariff threats. Myanmar has been in turmoil since its military overthrew the elected civilian government of Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi in 2021, triggering pro-democracy protests that morphed into a widening rebellion and conflict that has displaced more than 3.5 million people, according to the United Nations. Association of South-east Asian Nations leaders were expected to discuss ways to jumpstart Asean's faltering Myanmar peace process and build on recent efforts by Anwar, the bloc's current chair, to bring rival groups to the table. Anwar last month held a closed-door meeting in Bangkok with junta chief Min Aung Hlaing and virtual talks with the shadow National Unity Government, describing those today as 'significant', but fragile. 'We have been able to move the needle forward in our efforts for the eventual resolution of the Myanmar crisis,' he said while opening the summit in Kuala Lumpur. 'I wish to stress that throughout this process, quiet engagement has mattered. The steps may be small and the bridge may be fragile but as they say, in matters of peace, even a fragile bridge is better than a widening gulf.' The junta aims to hold an election later this year, which critics have widely derided as a one-sided sham to keep the military in power through proxies. Asean has yet to discuss a common position on the election. Asean's top diplomats held special meetings on Myanmar at the weekend, where Malaysian Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan stressed a lot of negotiating was needed and said he would visit Myanmar next month. The ministers agreed to discuss creating a permanent Asean envoy for Myanmar, possibly for terms of three years, rather than changing envoys each year, he added. Thailand's foreign minister last week said he intends to propose broader international engagement with the junta, which remains barred from Asean summits over its failure to follow the peace plan. Tariff tremors Asean leaders will meet Chinese Premier Li Qiang for an economic summit tomorrow along with counterparts from Gulf countries, at a time of global market volatility and slowing economic growth sparked by Trump's trade tariff threats. Six South-east Asian countries targeted by Washington face steep tariffs of between 32 per cent and 49 per cent in July, unless negotiations on reductions succeed. Anwar said today he had written to Trump requesting a meeting on the tariffs between the United States and Asean, a region with a combined gross domestic product of US$3.8 trillion (RMRM16 trillion). In remarks ahead of the summit, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr said Asean leaders would compare responses to the tariffs, adding 'we must find a way to find consensus amongst the disparate situations that the different member states are operating under'. Marty Natalegawa, an Indonesian former foreign minister, said Asean should identify key areas to guide each member country's negotiations with Washington. 'Otherwise, there could be a risk of a lose-lose cycle in our own region,' he said. Also up for discussion is advancing Asean's drawn-out talks with Beijing on a code of conduct for the South China Sea, where tensions have long simmered over the activities of China's coast guard in the exclusive economic zones of its neighbours. China says it is operating lawfully in what are its waters. The most heated confrontations have taken place between China and the Philippines, with Marcos today calling for urgency in completing a legally binding code. 'This is to safeguard maritime rights, promote stability, and prevent miscalculations,' he said. — Reuters
