KUALA LUMPUR: Asean wants Myanmar to address the ongoing transnational crime issue in its country as it affects many countries in the region, says Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.
Mohamad said transnational crime was discussed by Asean leaders at the Extended Informal Consultation on the Implementation of the Five-Point Consensus on Friday (Oct 24).
“Transnational crime is an issue that has spread not just to neighbouring countries, but also to countries whose people are involved in transnational crime.
“We want the Myanmar government, and those responsible in Myanmar, to stop this, because it has become an issue to countries, especially in Asean,” said Mohamad to reporters.
Mohamad was speaking to reporters after chairing the Extended Informal Consultation on the Implementation of the Five-Point Consensus.
Mohamad said transnational crime, humanitarian aid and a proposed general election in Myanmar are among issues that will be discussed by Asean leaders on Sunday.
Mohamad also said Asean will not be able to stop Myanmar from holding a general election, but the regional group wants Myanmar to have a free, fair, inclusive and transparent election.
“We don’t want this to be an election whereby only some citizens can participate. We will discuss this in the leaders’ meeting later this week,” added Mohamad.
Mohamad also said it is disappointing that Malaysian humanitarian aid intended for Myanmar is not reaching crucial areas that need help.
According to Mohamad, humanitarian aid to Myanmar is still being disrupted by blockades there.
“We are asking the Myanmar administration to allow humanitarian aid to reach the needy.
“This is among the pillars in the Five-Point Consensus,” said Mohamad.
The Five-Point Consensus by Asean laid out a roadmap for peace and it calls for an immediate cessation of violence, inclusive national dialogue, humanitarian assistance and peaceful resolution to the conflict.
However, the Five-Point consensus has been criticised for being ineffective in stopping the civil unrest in Myanmar that erupted in 2021.
Mohamad said the Extended Informal Consultation on the Implementation of the Five-Point Consensus had discussed the ongoing situation in Myanmar and a report by the Special Envoy of the Asean Chair on Myanmar.
“Most importantly, regarding Myanmar, the Five-Point Consensus is the foundation of Asean’s management of Myanmar’s issues.
“The Five-Point Consensus is not that hard to implement. We want dialogues with all sides, humanitarian aid to reach the needy, and among others,” said Mohamad.
Mohamad said that among the other points in the Five-Point Consensus is for Myanmar to stop any form of hostilities against its citizens.
“They are committing cruelty against citizens who do not support them. We want this to stop,” he added.
