Important for Asean to redouble efforts in safeguarding region, says Tok Mat

PETALING JAYA: It is important for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) to redouble its efforts in safeguarding the region against threats that could impact regional peace, security and stability, says Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.

At the Asean Foreign Ministers’ retreat in Luang Prabang, Laos, the Foreign Minister also underlined the need to further consolidate Asean Centrality and unity to ensure Asean remained in the driver's seat in shaping the regional architecture.

On the situation in Myanmar, Mohamad urged Asean to continue its efforts to facilitate a peaceful resolution to the crisis in Myanmar by creating a conducive environment for political dialogues and delivery of humanitarian assistance to all in need.

"This includes engaging with all stakeholders, as mandated by the Asean Leaders and to remind all concerned parties to adhere and implement the Five-Point Consensus," the ministry said in a statement on Monday (Jan 29).

Mohamad also expressed Malaysia’s support and readiness to work with Laos and Indonesia on the Troika mechanism to ensure seamless continuity in efforts to resolve the Myanmar crisis.

Separately, Mohamad called for an immediate cessation of violence and a ceasefire in Palestine.

He said the conflict only added to the hardship faced by the Palestinians for over 75 years and called for humanitarian assistance to Palestinians in Gaza.

"Malaysia also welcomes the decision by the International Court of Justice on Jan 26," read the statement.

Mohamad however expressed disappointment that Asean’s position vis-à-vis the South China Sea was not reflected in the Final Document of the 19th Summit of Head of State and Government of the Non-Aligned Movement (19th NAM Summit) which was recently adopted in Kampala, Uganda on Jan 20.

During the retreat, Mohamad also had bilateral meetings with his counterparts from Laos and Vietnam, with the issues of enhancing connectivity, encouraging digital transformation and increasing bilateral trade and investment between respective countries, being discussed.