‘TROIKA MECHANISM’ ONGOING IN SUPPORT TO RESOLVE PROBLEMS IN MYANMAR -- MOHAMAD HASAN

VIENTIANE, July 24 (Bernama) -- Malaysia, Laos, and Indonesia continue to pursue a ‘troika mechanism’ in efforts to restore democracy in Myanmar, a troubled ASEAN member state.

Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan mentioned that informal consultation meetings with the ASEAN Chair have been held in the past, present, and will continue in the future to discuss the implementation of the Five-Point Consensus, and the troika mechanism has been considered to help address issues in Myanmar.

"In the discussion earlier involving Malaysia, Indonesia, and Laos regarding the troika mechanism, we have jointly provided perspectives on how to ensure that the Junta or the military that has seized power in Myanmar returns the rights of the Myanmar people and upholds their human rights.

"We want to see the military junta restore democracy in Myanmar as soon as possible," he told Malaysian media during the 57th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting (57th AMM) and Related Meetings here on Wednesday.

However, Mohamad noted that the troika mechanism should not be overly exclusive and rigid in its approach.

"Engagement with all parties involved is necessary because in Myanmar, it’s not just the Junta; there are many parties, especially those seeking independence and others...so there are many stakeholders in Myanmar that we need to meet.

"This requires the cooperation of all parties to ensure that while the Myanmar issue may not be completely resolved, efforts can be made towards holding free elections in Myanmar so that the people of Myanmar can mandate whoever they believe can lead the government," he said.

Meanwhile, regarding the Rohingya issue, Mohamad said it was raised during the interface meeting with representatives of the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR).

He stated that the Rohingya issue is "not a domestic or internal matter of Myanmar" as it has had significant repercussions, particularly on neighbouring countries like Malaysia.

"Malaysia has been directly affected by the issues arising in Myanmar, with the Rohingya fleeing from their country due to persecution, killings, and burned villages...they have fled and sought refuge in Malaysia.

"As a sovereign country, we respect human rights and humanitarian principles, so we have to accept these refugees, with the aim of the United Nations (UN) helping Malaysia to relocate these refugees to a third country," he said.

He emphasised that the UN has been too slow in their efforts to resettle these refugees to third countries, and Malaysia has been greatly affected by this issue.

"Therefore, we will ensure that Malaysia receives support from all ASEAN member countries and also urge international bodies like the UN to play a role in addressing the Rohingya issue," he said.

Meanwhile, at the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone (SEANWFZ) Commission meeting, Mohamad said all ASEAN countries agreed to ensure that Southeast Asia remains a nuclear-free region.

Malaysia will chair ASEAN next year, following Laos this year and Indonesia the previous year.

-- BERNAMA