KUALA LUMPUR: The situation in Myanmar should be addressed through Asean in line with its charter, says Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir.
The Foreign Minister said Malaysia’s stand on the issue of Myanmar remains clear and consistent – which is not recognising the junta administration following the military coup on Feb 1, 2021.
“Malaysia believes that the situation in Myanmar must be addressed since it is a regional issue that threatens the safety, peace, development and prosperity of Asean,” he said in reply to a question from Jimmy Puah Wee Tse (PH-Tebrau) during Question Time.
Puah had asked the government to state its stand on the situation in Myanmar after a new government was formed through the ballot box.
Zambry said the Asean Foreign Ministers’ Retreat that was convened on Feb 3 and 4 in Jakarta agreed with the implementation of the Five Point Peace Plan that focused on efforts to create a conducive environment for an inclusive engagement with all stakeholders.
“The plan is expected to contribute towards facilitating aid distribution to people of Myanmar without any discrimination,” added Zambry.
He also noted that Malaysia will work closely with other members of Asean to help Myanmar achieve a peaceful and sustainable solution.
“It is important to support the full and effective implementation of the Five Point Peace Plan, which had been agreed upon by Asean leaders in April 2021,” he said, adding it will back Asean under the leadership of Indonesia, to address the issue.
He added Malaysia will continue with all forms of engagement with its Asean partners on this issue as it cannot be solved by Malaysia alone.
“It will require the full cooperation from Asean as it involves all of us, and we must reach a consensus in the context of Asean centrality, which is important.
“We understand that the issues that we are facing are complex and could even create the possibility of other forces to intervene in the area.
“That will create instability in the region so that is why Malaysia will continue with all efforts to find an amicable solution that can be implemented,” Zambry said, while also explaining that Malaysia will continue to have an embassy in Myanmar as part of its engagement with the country.
