MALAYSIA CONCERNED OVER RECENT DETENTION OF AUNG SAN SUU KYI

PUTRAJAYA, May 18 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian government is concerned about
the recent detention of pro-democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi, saying that the
detention will undermine the process of national reconciliation and the road map
to democracy in Myanmar.

Foreign Minister Anifah Aman said Malaysia urged the Myanmar government to
release Aung San Suu Kyi and other political detainees.

Malaysia's call is in line with the Asean chairman's statement issued at the
14th Asean Summit in Cha-am Hua Hin on March 1 this year, that the government of
Myanmar facilitates the national reconciliation process to be more inclusive and
involve all stakeholders in Myanmar.

Anifah said the inclusion of all political parties in the political process
leading to the general election in 2010 would also contribute significantly to
the national reconciliation process.

"With the move, Malaysia hopes the general election will be held in a
peaceful and just manner," he said in a statement here Monday.

Malaysia also welcomed the proposal by Thailand as the current Asean
chairman, to discuss the present situation in Myanmar at the Asean Senior
Officials meeting.

The two-day meeting will be held in Phuket, Thailand beginning Tuesday.
-- BERNAMA