ASEAN Urges Myanmar To Stamp Out Cross-Border Crime

By Nursyabiha Sukri and Muhammad Saufee Rosman

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 24 (Bernama) -- Myanmar authorities have been urged to immediately put a stop to transnational crime, which has had a significant impact on neighbouring countries and ASEAN as a whole.

Malaysia’s Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said the problem has spread and is now harming countries that share borders with Myanmar.

“We want the Myanmar authorities and all responsible parties there to stop this situation because it has become a problem for countries within ASEAN,” he told reporters here today.

He said this after chairing the Extended Non-Official Consultation on the Implementation of the Five-Point Consensus, held in conjunction with the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits here.

Those present at the meeting included Thailand’s Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Indonesia’s Foreign Minister Sugiono and Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro.

Mohamad said ASEAN also wants the Myanmar administration to cease all forms of hostility against its own people.

He said efforts to end violence and hostilities are among the key pillars of the Five-Point Consensus, which remains the foundation for all actions taken by the regional bloc on the Myanmar issue.

On the matter of ASEAN observers for Myanmar’s upcoming elections, Mohamad said ASEAN is firm that they must be conducted fairly, transparently and inclusively, involving all citizens, as the polls cannot be stopped by any party.

“ASEAN does not want this election to be one where only part of the Myanmar population can participate while others cannot. So, this matter will also be raised at the leaders’ meeting the day after tomorrow,” he said.

He added that ASEAN remains steadfast in upholding the Five-Point Consensus in addressing the issues in Myanmar, including facilitating dialogue and ensuring that humanitarian aid reaches its intended destinations.

“We deeply regret that humanitarian aid is still being disrupted and that much of it has yet to reach the intended areas due to several restrictions.

“So, we urge the Myanmar administration to allow the delivery of humanitarian assistance, as this is one of the key pillars of the Five-Point Consensus,” he said.

Myanmar has been mired in a prolonged political and humanitarian crisis since the military overthrew the National Unity Government on Feb 1, 2021.

In April that year, ASEAN leaders held an emergency meeting and adopted the Five-Point Consensus, which, among others, called for an immediate cessation of violence, constructive dialogue with all parties concerned to restore peace and stability, and the facilitation of humanitarian assistance to the people of Myanmar.

The Myanmar crisis is expected to be among the key agenda items during the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits, to be held from Oct 26 to 28 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre under Malaysia’s ASEAN 2025 Chairmanship.

-- BERNAMA