KUALA LUMPUR: Quiet engagement has played an effective role in addressing the ongoing crisis in Myanmar, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
“Quiet engagement mattered. The steps may be small and the bridge may be fragile, but as they say, in matters of peace, even a fragile bridge is better than a widening gulf,” he said in his opening remarks at the 46th Asean Summit.
Anwar said Asean has been able to take positive steps and make progress on Myanmar with the formation of the Informal Advisory Group.
The group is headed by former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and supported by regional leaders, including Brunei’s Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and former Cambodian prime minister Hun Sen.
“It is significant that since the third meeting held in Bangkok, we have been able to move the needle forward in our efforts for the eventual resolution of the Myanmar crisis,” he said.
Reaffirming Malaysia’s commitment to an open, inclusive and rules-based order, Anwar said Asean’s future must be rooted in “equitable, sustainable growth and enduring resilience”.
