Myanmar Authority Shows Positive Signs Following Engagements - Mohamad

By Noor Bakhtiar Ahmad

PETALING JAYA, May 19 (Bernama) -- Malaysia sees a positive development in the approach of the Myanmar authority following a series of engagements with ASEAN, with Naypyidaw now seen as more open to discussing and seeking a peaceful solution among the feuding parties, said Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.

He said the change was apparent during his meeting with Myanmar Foreign Minister, Tin Maung Swe, in Naypyidaw, on Tuesday.

“It could be observed from my discussion that although my counterpart was new, they seemed more relaxed.

“…  they expressed readiness to discuss, readiness for them to see all parties sitting together. That is a new development, a positive development to me, if this can be done,” he said.

Mohamad was speaking at a media conference at the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) base in Subang, here, on Tuesday.

Also present was Deputy Secretary General (Bilateral Affairs) of the Foreign Ministry, Datuk Syed Mohd Hasrin Tengku Hussin, and Director General of ASEAN-Malaysia National Secretariat under the Foreign Ministry, Datuk Zanariah Zainal Abidin.

Earlier in the morning, Mohamad departed for Naypyidaw to assess the current situation in Myanmar following a retreat session of ASEAN heads of states in Cebu, the Philippines, recently.

He said ASEAN foreign ministers have been tasked with organising a survey and engagement with their counterpart in Myanmar to help ASEAN formulate a new approach for the country.

“The foreign ministers were tasked to conduct a survey and engagement with our counterpart in Myanmar to enable ASEAN to formulate a new approach for the country.

“Therefore, I would prepare a report for the Cabinet regarding my brief visit, my meeting with my Myanmar counterpart, for it to be formulated, discussed. I would also hold an online discussion or video conference with my ASEAN counterparts,” he said.

Mohamad further said Malaysia expressed its readiness to assist in getting the opponents of the Myanmar government together, but stressed that one needs to tread carefully so as not to pressure Naypyidaw.

“We proceed with caution. We do not want Malaysia to be seen as pressuring them. I have asked them for proposals.

“We want to know what’s on their minds and how they want to move forward, because we do not want one of our ASEAN members to be crippled. It would cause ASEAN to not be seen as an organisation that emphasises wellbeing,” he said.

Mohamad said he took the opportunity to convey Malaysia’s and ASEAN’s hope to see Myanmar taking a new direction, including stopping hostilities and violence against its own people, in line with the ASEAN Five-Point Consensus.

According to him, the Myanmar authority also shared that a ceasefire was implemented after Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim held a meeting with the leader of the country last year.

Malaysia also have requested for the existing ceasefire, set to expire on July 30, to be extended for at least six more months or be resumed indefinitely, he said.

“In fact, I have asked for the existing ceasefire which is set to expire on July 30 to be extended, for six more months or even indefinitely,” he said.

-- BERNAMA