CEBU: Asean is still not ready to accept Myanmar's leaders to attend the bloc's summits and official meetings, says Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.
The Foreign Minister said Myanmar had requested that its political leaders be allowed to attend Asean meetings, but the matter has not yet been agreed upon by Asean foreign ministers.
"At this stage, we are still not ready to accept their request.
"However, we will continue engagement so that they remain in contact and communication channels stay open, allowing us to monitor developments in the country," he told Malaysian media on Thursday (May 7).
Earlier, Mohamad attended the Asean Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM), chaired by Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro.
Asean has barred Myanmar's top leaders from attending its summits since the military overthrew civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi in a coup in February 2021, allowing only non-political representatives to attend high-level meetings.
He said the AMM also took note of Myanmar's general election held in January and is still reviewing the results and the ongoing situation.
He added that Asean remains "concerned" about the situation in Myanmar due to ongoing repression and difficulties in delivering humanitarian assistance to those in need.
"We regret that this situation is still ongoing, and we want the new government formed after the election in Myanmar to fully comply with the Five-Point Consensus (5PC).
"If they are able to do so, only then will we be able to consider the legitimacy of the Myanmar government at future meetings," he said.
He said these matters will be brought to the attention of the leaders' meetings on Friday.
Myanmar's election, held amid continued political instability, saw a pro-military party win, leading to former military leader Min Aung Hlaing being elected president in April. - Bernama
