Latest news with #StateSecurityandPeaceCouncil
The Sun
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Sun
Malaysia ramps up preparations for 47th Asean Summit
CYBERJAYA: Preparations are underway for the 47th Asean Summit in October, with Malaysia working closely with regional counterparts to ensure continuity and progress on key issues. Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said ongoing cooperation with leaders from Thailand, the Philippines and Indonesia aims to maintain a unified and inclusive approach. 'We want continuity so the next chair knows what needs to be done and nothing is left disconnected,' he said after attending the 58th Asean Day celebration yesterday. Mohamad also confirmed plans to visit Myanmar on Sept 19 ahead of the summit. 'We will continue to follow through on what has been promised, including extending and expanding the ceasefire,' he said. The visit will also allow him to observe how the new administration is functioning following the lifting of the state of emergency and the establishment of the State Security and Peace Council. 'Although the highest authority remains the National Defence and Security Council, I want to observe the situation closely. Myanmar has clearly stated it will hold elections, which is why the national state of emergency was not extended, as required by their constitution,' he said. Mohamad noted that 63 towns remain under local states of emergency enforced by the council and stressed the need for clarity on whether the upcoming elections will be comprehensive. 'So, I want to get a clear picture to present to the Asean leadership in October,' he said. The 58th anniversary of Asean, themed 'Towards an Inclusive and Sustainable Asean Future', was celebrated yesterday. Mohamad reflected on the region's historic journey and current challenges, noting that the 1960s marked a defining moment when Southeast Asia's five founding nations – Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand – came together amid global superpower tensions to form Asean as a bold experiment in peace and multilateralism. 'Over the past 58 years, Asean has grown into a unique organisation, setting new standards in global governance through diversity and consensus,' he said. Mohamad reaffirmed Malaysia's commitment to Asean's vision of an inclusive and sustainable Southeast Asia as outlined in the Asean Community Vision 2045, which aims to build a resilient and people-centred region over the next two decades. He also underlined Asean's proactive role in managing regional crises, particularly in Myanmar, through principled crisis management and efforts to uphold the credibility of the Five-Point Consensus. 'As Asean chair, Malaysia successfully facilitated a ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand in Putrajaya, demonstrating the bloc's ability to act decisively. Bringing the leaders of Thailand and Cambodia together to agree on a ceasefire shows Asean's strength and value as a platform, just as our founding fathers envisioned,' he said. Mohamad called for continued unity and commitment, stressing that Asean's ideals are not passive but require ongoing dedication. 'As we move forward, let us embody the spirit of our founders, to speak as one, united in purpose,' he said while wishing all a happy Asean Day.
New Straits Times
3 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Tok Mat, Asean foreign ministers to visit Myanmar Sept 19
CYBERJAYA: Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan will travel to Myanmar on Sept 19 with his counterparts from Thailand, the Philippines, and Indonesia to gain a clearer picture of the country's situation. Mohamad said the visit was to demonstrate Asean unity, especially since the Philippines would be chairing the bloc in 2026. "We want continuity so that the next chair knows what needs to be done, what actions to take. So it's not disjointed. We will continue and build on what we have done," he said. He said the visit would also allow him to observe the country's new administration. "They have now formed what is called the State Security and Peace Council, a committee on national peace and security. However, the highest authority remains the National Defence and Security Council. So that's what I want to observe," he said. Myanmar's junta leader has been excluded from Asean summits since the military coup in 2021, due to the regime's failure to implement the bloc's peace roadmap. Since then, Asean has been pushing for a diplomatic resolution to Myanmar's civil conflict. Mohamad said he wanted to get a clear picture of the country's situation ahead of the 47th Asean Summit in October. He added that Myanmar must deliver on its promise of an "extended and expanded ceasefire." "They have clearly stated that Myanmar will be holding elections. That is why they have ended or chosen not to extend their state of emergency. This is in accordance with their constitution," he said. "So, I want to discuss with them what kind of election will be held, will it be a comprehensive election? Because there are still 63 cities or areas currently still under a state of emergency." Mohamad first said he would visit Myanmar before the 47th Asean Summit in October to meet its leaders on July 11, following the 58th Asean Foreign Ministers' Meeting.
