KUALA LUMPUR: Myanmar’s plan to hold elections should not be a priority, says Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.
He said that a ceasefire would be the most immediate action that should be taken by Myanmar, as emphasised in the five-point consensus.
“We advised Myanmar that the election is not the priority; ending atrocity and ensuring aid can be delivered are.
“If the election is held partially, there would be no point and would not solve the problems,” he told reporters after chairing the East Asia Summit (July 11) here.
Mohamad said that Myanmar acknowledged that it had been making efforts to impose a temporary ceasefire.
However, he added that Asean was aiming for the ceasefire to be permanent and expanded throughout the country.
“This was to make sure that the people of Myanmar can live their lives normally,” he said.
Previously, it was reported that Myanmar's State Administration Council chairman Senior General Min Aung Hlaing said that the election will be held during December this year and January next year.
Other points in the consensus were the need for constructive dialogue, appointment of special envoy and humanitarian assistance.
