Myanmar Civilian Violence Declining Since Malaysia Assumed ASEAN Chairmanship - Mohamad

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 4 (Bernama) -- Incidents of violence against civilians in Myanmar have declined since Malaysia assumed the chairmanship of ASEAN, the Dewan Rakyat was told today.

According to Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, the development reflects ASEAN’s ongoing efforts, including peace negotiations among conflicting parties, which are beginning to show results, despite persistent challenges in implementing the Five-Point Consensus (5PC).

“Since Malaysia took over as ASEAN Chair, acts of violence against civilians in Myanmar have dropped significantly. From 100 incidents, it’s now only about 20 per cent of that figure,” he said in reply to Ahmad Tarmizi Sulaiman (PN-Sik) on concrete measures to advance the 5PC during Question Time.

Mohamad said that during negotiations between ASEAN and Myanmar’s conflicting factions, Malaysia has served as a facilitator to encourage dialogue and convey the concerns and perspectives of all sides to the Myanmar government.

However, he acknowledged that the situation in Myanmar remains complex, as the conflict involves numerous ethnic groups with differing ideologies.

On the prospects of elections in Myanmar, Mohamad reaffirmed Malaysia’s stance that any election in the country must be conducted transparently, fairly, and inclusively, in line with ASEAN’s collective position.

“As long as the election does not meet ASEAN’s expectations of fairness, transparency, and inclusivity, it will be difficult for the bloc to recognise such a process,” he said.

On humanitarian assistance for Rohingya refugees in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, Mohamad said Myanmar authorities are undertaking a verification process to facilitate the repatriation of refugees once conditions in the country improve.

-- BERNAMA